Helium Tank Size Calculator
Calculate the right helium tank size for your balloons with float time and cost estimates.
How We Calculate This
This calculator estimates total helium needed based on balloon count, sizes and type, then recommends the most suitable tank.
Helium per balloon (defaults)
- 11-inch latex: 0.5 cu ft
- 18-inch foil: 0.5 cu ft
- Round latex scales by the cube of the diameter ratio (sphere volume)
- Flat foil/mylar scales by the square of the diameter ratio (two-sheet construction)
Formula
Total helium = [(latex count × helium per latex) + (foil count × helium per foil)] × (1 + wastage%)
The wastage factor (default 10%) covers gas lost during inflation and underfilled balloons, so it is applied to the combined latex and foil total — not just one part of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: March 2026
All calculations are estimates. Adjust quantities based on your guests and event type.