Round vs Square Ball Pit: Sizes, Ball Numbers and Where It Fits
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Quick answer: A round ball pit (usually 90cm across and 30 or 40cm high) suits most playrooms because it fits into a corner, has no hard edges and works well for babies and toddlers. A square pit (90x90cm or 110x110cm, 40cm high) holds more balls and two children more comfortably, and lines up neatly against a wall. Round 90x30cm pits start at about £111 without balls; square 90x90x40cm pits start at about £158.
"Round or square?" is the question we get most often at Soft Play Market from parents planning a playroom, closely followed by "will it fit?" and "how many balls do I need?". This guide answers those three, using the actual sizes we sell, so you can measure up before you order.
What is the difference between a round and a square ball pit?
Both are made the same way: dense foam walls and a foam base inside a removable fabric cover. The difference is the footprint and how the space is used.
- Round pits have a continuous curved wall, so there are no corners for a baby to bump into and nowhere for balls to pile up. They look softer in a living room and sit well in a corner, with the curve leaving a little floor space either side.
- Square pits use the floor more efficiently. A 90x90cm square has more internal room than a 90cm round, so it takes more balls and is better when two siblings play together. The straight sides sit flush against a wall or between furniture.
Round vs square ball pit: which sizes are there?
| Shape and size | Best for | Balls included (where offered) | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round, 90x30cm | Babies from sitting age, small rooms, one child | Without balls, or with 200 | From about £111 (no balls), £145 with 200 |
| Round, 90x40cm | Toddlers who climb in and out, deeper fill | 300 | About £171 |
| Square, 90x90x40cm | Two children, wall placement | Without balls, 200 or 300 | From about £158 (no balls), £192 with 200 |
| Square, 110x110x40cm | Bigger playrooms, siblings, older toddlers | 400 or 500 | From about £253 |
The 30cm height is low enough for a baby who is sitting confidently to be lifted in and out, and for an early walker to step over with help. The 40cm wall keeps more balls inside when toddlers start jumping and gives a deeper fill.
Should I choose 90x30 or 90x40?
Choose 90x30cm if your child is under about 18 months, if the pit will mostly be used for sitting and rummaging, or if space is tight. Choose 90x40cm if you have a busy toddler, if you want a deeper pit that stays interesting for longer, or if you want fewer balls spilling over the side. You can see both on the 90x30cm round pit and the 90x40cm round pit with 300 balls.
How many balls do I need for a round or square ball pit?
The 200 to 500 balls that come with our pits give a usable layer for a baby to sit in. Many families add more later for a deeper fill. To work it out yourself, measure the inside of the pit (not the outside, as the foam walls take up space) and estimate the volume you want to fill in litres. As a rule of thumb, 7cm balls pack at roughly three per litre of space.
For example, if the inside space you want to fill is about 100 litres, you'd need roughly 300 balls. Fill a baby's pit to around waist height when sitting, not deeper, so they can sit up and move without sinking.
If you want more balls, we sell them in boxes of 750 in a single colour for £142.50, or as an 800 mixed-colour pack for £178.80. See 7cm ball pit balls, box of 750.
Where does a ball pit fit in a playroom or living room?
Measure the floor, then add space around the pit. A 90cm pit takes a 90cm circle or square, but you'll want around 50cm of clear floor on the sides where your child gets in and out.
- Corner of a living room: a 90cm round pit is the easiest fit, and the curve leaves a gap for a plant or a basket.
- Against a playroom wall: a 90x90cm square sits flush and leaves the middle of the room free.
- Bigger playroom: a 110x110cm square, or a pit combined with a foam step and slide, makes a proper play corner. Our step and slide set with round ball pit is a common choice.
- Away from: radiators, sharp furniture corners, stairs and anything a toddler could climb onto from the pit wall.
A soft rug or foam mat underneath stops the pit sliding on wooden or tiled floors and protects knees on the way in and out.
Which shape is safer for babies?
Both are safe for supervised play when used properly. A round pit has no corners, which some parents prefer for babies who topple sideways. What matters more than shape is: 7cm balls (never smaller than 6cm for under-3s), a fill level your child can sit up in, a stable spot on the floor and an adult close by. Our sibling guide on whether ball pits are safe for babies covers this in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash the ball pit cover?
The covers are removable so you can clean them. Follow the care label on your pit. For the balls, use warm water with a little mild washing-up liquid in a bath or mesh bags, then let them air-dry fully. Don't put balls in the washing machine. Our guide on cleaning a foam ball pit goes through it step by step.
Is a square pit harder to move?
Not really. Both are light foam. A square pit is a little bulkier to carry through doorways, so measure your doors if you plan to move it between rooms.
Which shape is better for two children?
Square, especially 110x110cm. Two toddlers in a 90cm round pit will fit, but they'll be knee to knee.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
Yes, we offer 30-day returns, and UK delivery is free. If you're unsure, email info@softplaymarket.co.uk with your room measurements and we'll suggest a size.