How Many Kg of Beads for a Bean Bag?
If you are making or refilling a bean bag, the first question is usually: how many kg of beads do I actually need for a bean bag? Buy too little and the bag sags. Buy too much, on the other hand, and you waste money.
The short answer is this. A small children’s bean bag usually needs about 1.5–2kg of beads. A standard adult bean bag needs about 3–6kg. An extra-large bean bag or bean bag sofa can need 9kg or more.
However, every bean bag is different. So in this guide, we explain how to work out the right amount for your bag, step by step.
Why Beads Are Sold by Kg but Measured in Litres
Bean bag filling is very light. In fact, EPS (styrofoam) beads are about 98% air, so one kilo takes up a lot of space.
For this reason, bean bag makers usually measure filling in litres (the space it fills), while suppliers sell it by weight. At Bioflex, for example, our beads come in sealed 1kg bags, and one bag fills roughly 70 litres.
Therefore, to know how many bags you need, you first work out how many litres your bean bag holds. Then you divide by the litres in one bag.
Bean Bag Filling Size Chart
Use this chart as a quick guide. The litre figures are for a comfortably full bean bag, not one packed hard.
| Bean bag type | Typical size | Filling needed | Approx. 1kg bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor cushion or small pouf | 50–60 cm across | 50–100 litres | 1–1.5 |
| Kids’ bean bag | 60–80 cm tall | 100–150 litres | 1.5–2 |
| Medium adult bean bag | 80–100 cm tall | 200–300 litres | 3–4 |
| Large adult bean bag | 100–120 cm tall | 300–400 litres | 4–6 |
| Extra-large bean bag | 120 cm+ tall | 400–600 litres | 6–9 |
| Bean bag sofa or lounger | 150 cm+ wide | 600–900 litres | 9–13 |
These are estimates. Bean bag shapes and fabrics vary, so measure yours using the steps below for a more exact figure.
How to Work Out the Filling for Your Own Bean Bag
If your bean bag doesn’t match the chart, you can calculate it yourself. It takes about five minutes.
Step 1: Measure the Cover
First, lay the empty cover flat and measure it in centimetres.
- Round or pear-shaped bags: measure the width across the base (the diameter) and the height.
- Square or cube bags: measure the length, width and height.
Step 2: Calculate the Volume
Next, work out the cover’s volume:
- Round bags: 3.14 × (half the width × half the width) × height
- Square bags: length × width × height
Then divide the answer by 1,000 to convert it to litres.
Step 3: Fill About Two-Thirds to Three-Quarters
A bean bag should not be filled to the very top. Otherwise, it becomes hard and doesn’t shape to your body. So multiply your litres by about 0.7.
Step 4: Convert to Bags
Finally, divide by the litres in one 1kg bag, about 70 litres for our beads. Round up, so you have a little extra for topping up later.
Worked Example
Say you have a round bean bag that is 90 cm across and 90 cm tall.
- Volume: 3.14 × (45 × 45) × 90 = 572,265 cm³, which is about 572 litres.
- Fill level: 572 × 0.7 = about 400 litres.
- Bags: 400 ÷ 70 = about 5.7, so you would buy 6 bags.
What Changes the Amount of Filling You Need?
How Firm You Like It
Some people prefer a soft, sink-in feel, while others want firm support. Therefore, a firmer bean bag needs more beads than a soft one.
Bead Size
Bead size also matters. In general, smaller beads pack more closely, so they can feel firmer at the same volume. Our 3–6mm beads give a balanced, comfortable feel. For more detail, read our guide on the best EPS bead size for bean bags.
Shape and Style
Similarly, a tall pear-shaped bag holds more than a low lounger of the same width. In addition, bean bags with stiff, structured sides need more filling to hold their shape.
Inner Liner
A zipped inner liner doesn’t change the amount much. However, it makes filling and future top-ups far cleaner and easier.
Settling Over Time
Finally, beads gradually compress with use. As a result, most bean bags need a small top-up after some months to restore their shape.
Signs Your Bean Bag Has the Right Amount
Too little filling:
- You sink straight to the floor when you sit.
- The cover looks wrinkled and saggy.
- The bag doesn’t hold any shape when empty.
Too much filling:
- The bag feels hard, like a ball.
- It doesn’t mould around your body.
- The seams look stretched and tight.
Just right:
- You sink in comfortably but stay off the floor.
- The bag shapes around you and recovers when you stand up.
- There is a little loose space at the top.
Tips for Filling Your Bean Bag
- Fill indoors. Because beads are so light, wind and fans scatter them easily.
- Use a funnel. For example, cut the bottom off a large plastic bottle or roll stiff paper into a cone.
- Fill in stages. Add a bag at a time, then sit on it to test the feel.
- Control static. If beads cling, lightly mist the cover with water.
- Keep spare beads. Store any leftover beads sealed and dry for future top-ups.
- Keep it safe. Finally, keep loose beads away from small children and pets, and use child-safe zips.
Refilling an Old, Flat Bean Bag
If you are topping up an existing bean bag, you usually need much less than a full fill. For instance, many flat bean bags only need one to three bags to bounce back.
So the simplest method is to add one bag, test the feel, and add more only if needed. Our bean bag filling in Kenya page explains your refill options.
Buying Bean Bag Beads for a Business
If you make bean bags to sell, the chart above helps you price each product. For example, if a medium bean bag needs 3–4 bags of beads, you can calculate your filling cost per unit accurately.
In addition, buying in bulk lowers your cost per bag. Read more about wholesale styrofoam beads in Kenya, or see our EPS beads for bean bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many kg of beads for a bean bag?
A kids’ bean bag usually needs about 1.5–2kg, a standard adult bean bag about 3–6kg, and an extra-large bean bag or sofa 9kg or more.
2.How many litres of filling does a bean bag need?
Most adult bean bags need between 200 and 400 litres. However, extra-large bags and bean bag sofas can need 600 litres or more.
3. Should I fill my bean bag to the top?
No. Fill it about two-thirds to three-quarters full, so the beads can move and shape around you.
4. How often should I top up my bean bag?
It depends on how often it’s used. In general, most bean bags benefit from a small top-up after some months of regular use.
5. Can I mix old and new beads?
Yes. In fact, topping up with fresh beads is the easiest way to restore a flat bean bag.
6. Where can I buy bean bag beads in Kenya?
Bioflex Insulation Limited supplies virgin EPS beads in 1kg bags from Industrial Area, Nairobi, with delivery across Kenya. See our styrofoam beads 1kg bag page.
Get the Right Amount of Bean Bag Beads
Still not sure how many bags you need? Simply send us the size of your bean bag, or a photo with measurements, and we’ll work it out for you.
Call or WhatsApp: 0722 664 867
Email: info@bioflexinsulationlimited.co.ke
Visit: Industrial Area, Nairobi. Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm.
You can also browse our polystyrene beads in Kenya or cushion filling beads.
