How to Find a Grave in a Cemetery
Whether you're visiting a loved one or researching family history, here are the fastest ways to locate a specific grave — online and on the grounds.
To find a grave in a cemetery: (1) search the cemetery's online grave-search page by name if it has one, (2) use its interactive map for GPS walk-to-grave directions, (3) contact the cemetery office with the full name and approximate date of death, (4) check genealogy databases like Find a Grave or BillionGraves for older graves, and (5) look for a directory board or sexton's map on site. The quickest route is an online search on the cemetery's own website, which returns the exact section, plot, and map location in seconds.
5 ways to locate a grave
1. Search the cemetery’s online records
Many cemeteries now offer an online grave search on their website. Type the deceased person’s name and you’ll see the section, plot number, and often an interactive map showing the exact location. This is the fastest method when it’s available — no phone call required.
2. Use an interactive map with GPS directions
Modern cemetery maps let you tap a grave and get walk-to-grave GPS directions from where you’re standing. If the cemetery’s public page has a map, open it on your phone before you visit so you can navigate the grounds directly to the plot.
3. Contact the cemetery office
If there’s no online search, call or email the cemetery office with the full name and, if you have it, the approximate date of death. Staff can look up the burial record and give you the section and plot number, plus directions within the grounds.
4. Check genealogy and memorial databases
Community databases like Find a Grave and BillionGraves include volunteer-submitted photos and locations for millions of graves. They’re useful for older or historic graves, though the location detail is often less precise than the cemetery’s own records.
5. Look for a directory board or sexton’s map on site
Smaller cemeteries may have a directory board near the entrance or a sexton’s map in the office. If you’re already on the grounds and the office is closed, look for posted section maps to narrow down the area.
What information helps the search
Before you search or call, gather what you can: the person's full name (including maiden name), date of death or burial, and the cemetery name. Even an approximate year narrows the records significantly. For common surnames, a middle name or spouse's name helps staff confirm the right record.
For cemetery offices: let families find graves themselves
If you run a cemetery, the single biggest way to reduce phone calls is to publish an online grave search. With CemeteryBase, every cemetery gets an auto-generated public grave search page where families type a name and instantly see the record and the plot on an interactive map — with no login or app. You control which fields are public.
Getting your records online starts with digitizing them. See how to convert paper cemetery records to digital and how to digitize a cemetery map.
Run a cemetery? Give families online grave search
An auto-generated public search page with an interactive map. All features included, no setup fees.