When you're preparing to honor a loved one's memory through a newspaper obituary, knowing the word count limits and formatting requirements helps you craft a meaningful tribute that fits the publication's guidelines.
This article will help you understand how newspapers handle obituary length restrictions, what factors influence these limits, and how to plan your submission effectively.
What you'll learn in this article
Standard word count ranges for newspaper obituaries
Key differences between obituaries and death notices
How newspapers measure obituary size
Tips for managing word count and costs
Standard Word Count Ranges
Most newspapers set word count limits to balance space availability with the need to accommodate multiple submissions. Here's what you can typically expect:
Common word count ranges:
Short obituaries: 250–300 words (the most common length)
Standard obituaries: 250–750 words (fits most publications)
Extended obituaries: Up to 1,500 words (available at some newspapers for higher fees)
The average obituary you'll see in print is around 250–300 words and usually includes one photo. This length provides enough space to share essential information about the deceased person's life, family, career, and funeral arrangements.
Important note: When newspapers specify word counts, they typically exclude header information such as the deceased person's name and key dates (birth and death).
Obituaries vs. Death Notices: Understanding the Difference
Many newspapers offer two distinct types of announcements, each with different length restrictions and pricing structures:
Death Notices
Death notices are brief, standardized announcements with strict space limitations:
Length limit: Usually restricted to five lines of text
Character count: Approximately 100 characters total (about 20 characters per line)
Format: Simple template with basic information only
Pricing: Can be variable or fixed rate, typically lower cost than obituaries
Content: Name, age, date of death, and minimal funeral details
Death notices work well when you need a basic announcement at a lower price point or when you're placing notices in multiple publications.
Example Death Notice:
JOHNSON, Margaret Anne
Margaret Anne Johnson, 78, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025. Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Visitation Friday, November 15, 2-4 PM at Springfield Funeral Home. Memorial service Saturday, November 16, 11 AM, First Methodist Church.
Obituaries
Obituaries allow for more extensive storytelling and personalization:
Length flexibility: Variable word counts depending on the publication
Pricing structure: For print publications, typically charged based on the number of lines of text that the obituary will occupy in the newspaper with possible additional charges for photo placements
Content depth: Room for biographical details, accomplishments, personality, survivors, and memorial information
Customization: Can include photos, special formatting, and longer narratives
Obituaries give you the space to truly celebrate your loved one's life and legacy with meaningful details that capture who they were.
How Newspapers Measure Obituary Size
Not all newspapers use the same measurement system for obituary submissions. Understanding how your target publication calculates size helps you plan accordingly:
Layout Size Method
Most newspapers measure obituaries by the physical space they occupy in print, using dimensions like column inches or layout area. With this approach:
The physical size of your text, including photos and formatting, determines the cost
Column dimensions and max characters per line can vary from newspaper to newspaper, meaning the same obituary text may occupy a different number of lines in one newspaper vs. another
Word count can be used as a reasonable proxy to measure lines of text and thereby estimate cost. Keep in mind that this is directional only, however. The average amount of characters per word in your obituary may be different than the average used in our estimations.
Tip: Use Legacy's obituary cost estimator or chat with a member of our support team if you are looking for directional newspaper obituary pricing.
Managing Word Count and Costs
If you're working within budget constraints or need to fit within specific word limits, consider these strategies:
Ways to optimize your obituary length:
Focus on key information first: Include essential details like biographical highlights, immediate family, and service information before adding additional anecdotes
Edit carefully: Review your draft for repetitive phrases or information that could be condensed
Prioritize quality over quantity: A well-written 300-word obituary can be more impactful than a rambling 800-word piece
Consider multiple publications: Place a shorter version in print newspapers and a longer, detailed version on online memorial platforms
Ask about tiered pricing: Some newspapers offer different price points based on length, so you can choose what fits your budget
Remember: Larger word counts generally increase costs significantly. Reducing text by even 100–200 words can result in meaningful savings, especially if you're placing the obituary in multiple newspapers.
Tips for Planning Your Obituary Submission
Before you begin writing, take these steps to ensure a smooth submission process:
Inquire about photo policies: Understand how many photos you can include and whether they affect word count availability
Request submission deadlines: Newspapers typically have daily deadlines for obituary placement in specific issues. If you want to publish on a specific print date, check with the Legacy support team or use our deadline lookup tool to learn the date and time by which you must submit
Get a cost estimate: Before finalizing your text, ask for a pricing estimate based on your planned word count
Review formatting requirements: Some newspapers have specific style guidelines for how information should be organized. Your Legacy support team can help ensure that your submission meets these guidelines.
Common Questions
Can I exceed the word count limit if I pay more?
Most newspapers will accommodate longer obituaries for additional fees, though some may have absolute maximum limits regardless of price.
Do online obituaries have different word count limits?
Online-only obituaries on newspaper websites or memorial platforms often have more flexible or no word count limits compared to print versions.
What happens if my obituary is too long?
The newspaper will typically ask you to edit it down or will charge additional fees based on their pricing structure. Some may edit it themselves, though this is less common.
Are word count limits negotiable?
Limits are generally firm, but you can discuss options with the newspaper's obituary department, especially for notable community figures or special circumstances.
Related Resources
How to calculate the cost of your obituary
Photo inclusion guidelines for obituaries
Submission process for online and offline obituaries
Writing an effective obituary: Best practices and examples
By understanding word count limits and planning accordingly, you can create a meaningful tribute that honors your loved one while meeting publication requirements and staying within your budget.