
You usually see foil balloons in three main sizes at parties. The table below shows how these sizes match different events:
Size Category |
Diameter (inches) |
Usage Description |
|---|---|---|
Small |
Up to 10 |
Used for small parties or as fillers in bigger displays |
Medium |
10–20 |
Most common size, easy to use and looks nice |
Large |
20 and above |
Used for big events like weddings or work parties |
Foil balloons are good for many celebrations. You can pick from many colors, shapes, and sizes. They help decorate small parties and big events. Knowing these sizes helps you plan your decorations well in the foil balloon industry.
Standard Sizes in the Foil Balloon Industry

Common Size Ranges
Foil balloons come in many sizes. The main groups are mini, standard, supershape, and jumbo. Each group is good for different events. Look at this table to see the usual sizes:
Category |
Size Range (inches) |
|---|---|
Mini |
3–14 |
Mini Mylar |
6–12 |
Standard |
17–20 |
Supershape |
20–30 |
Jumbo |
28+ |
Lots of brands sell these sizes. Prima Balloons has 20" Glitter Spheres and Starburst shapes. Any Occasion Balloons, Sempertex Balloons, and Tuftex Balloons also have many choices.
Tip: Always check the package for the size before you buy. Some brands have special shapes or different measurements.
Mini, Standard, Supershape, and Jumbo Categories
Each size group works best for certain things. Pick the right one for your party or decorations.
Mini Balloons (3–14 inches):
Mini balloons are great for small designs and balloon art. Balloon artists use them for garlands and walls. They fill spaces in bigger balloon displays.Standard Balloons (17–20 inches):
Standard balloons are the most popular in the foil balloon industry. Use them for parties, baby showers, and weddings. They look nice alone or in bunches. People like them for balloon releases.Supershape Balloons (20–30 inches):
Supershape balloons come in cool shapes like stars, hearts, or cartoon figures. Use them to match your party theme or make your event special.Jumbo Balloons (28+ inches):
Jumbo balloons are very big and get noticed. You see them at grand openings, weddings, or photo shoots. They are great for balloon arches and big displays because they stand out.
Here is a table that shows how long each size floats and how tough they are:
Balloon Size |
Float Time |
Durability |
|---|---|---|
Standard-sized |
5 to 7 days |
5 to 7 days |
Larger sizes |
2 to 3 weeks |
Several months |
Big balloons float longer and last for weeks. This is good for events where you need decorations to stay up.

The chart shows jumbo and supershape balloons cost more than mini or standard ones. Bigger balloons are easier to see and float longer. They can be worth the extra money for special parties.
Foil balloons are good for lots of events. Use them for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and work parties. You can find them shaped like animals, characters, and cool themes. They last a long time and float well, so people like them for big celebrations.
Measuring Foil Balloon Sizes
Inflated vs. Uninflated Dimensions
You may notice that foil balloons look smaller when you fill them with air or helium. This happens because companies measure foil balloons at their widest point before you inflate them. The size you see on the package is the uninflated size. When you add air, the balloon stretches and becomes rounder, so the actual size appears a bit smaller than what the label says.
Here are some important points to remember:
The advertised size is based on the flat, uninflated balloon.
After inflation, the balloon will look smaller than the size on the package.
Different brands in the foil balloon industry may use slightly different ways to measure their balloons.
If you want your decorations to look a certain way, always check the size before you buy. This helps you avoid surprises when you inflate the balloons.
Size Labels and Packaging
When you shop for foil balloons, you will see size information on the packaging or label. Most packages show the size in inches. You might also see a picture of the balloon shape. Some brands include both the uninflated and the expected inflated size, but most use only the uninflated measurement.
You can also find details about how long the balloon will float and how much helium you need. Here is a table that shows common sizes and their inflation needs:
Balloon Size |
Avg. Flying Time with Helium |
Avg. # Balloons / Helium Tank (242 cu. ft.) |
|---|---|---|
18" Round or Heart |
3-5 Days |
475 |
20" Star |
3-5 Days |
400 |
36" Star |
10 Days |
95 |
Tip: Always read the label before you buy. This helps you pick the right size and know how many balloons you can fill with your helium tank.
You can use this information to plan your event and make sure your decorations last as long as you need.
Choosing the Right Foil Balloon Size
Event and Venue Considerations
Pick balloon sizes that fit your event space. Small rooms look good with standard balloons. Big places need larger balloons to stand out. The table below helps you choose the right size for your space:
Venue Size |
Recommended Balloon Size |
Purpose/Use |
|---|---|---|
Small |
11-12 inch |
Decorations, bouquets, general styling |
Medium |
16-24 inch |
Photo backdrops, floor arrangements |
Large |
36 inch |
Stage backdrops, bold statements at events |
Ceiling height is important too. Large balloons make a bold look. Too many can make a room feel crowded. Small balloons fill empty spots and add detail. They help the room seem bigger.
Balloon Size |
Effect on Visual Impact |
Effect on Space Perception |
|---|---|---|
Larger |
Makes a bold impact |
Can make space feel smaller |
Smaller |
Adds detail and fills gaps |
Can make space feel bigger |
Put balloons at different heights to draw eyes up. This makes ceilings look taller. Grouping balloons close together can make a big room feel cozy.
Safety matters. Keep foil balloons away from wires and heat lamps. Always use weights so helium balloons do not float away. Do not let balloons go near trees or power lines.
Matching Size to Occasion
Pick balloon styles and colors that match your event. The table below shows good choices for different occasions:
Occasion |
Balloon Style |
Color Scheme |
|---|---|---|
Graduation |
Bold, fun designs |
Bright colors |
Anniversary |
Fancy, metallic or foil balloons |
Gold and silver |
Birthday |
Playful designs |
Pastel colors for kids |
Mixing balloon sizes makes displays more fun. Try these ideas:
Balloon bouquets use many sizes and colors.
Layer balloons to add depth.
Put balloons in new places for a playful look.
Mix sizes to make decorations interesting.
Use big balloons as main points and small ones for details.
Balloon garlands look nice on doors or tables. Use different sizes and colors to match your theme. In the foil balloon industry, decorators reuse Mylar balloons to cut down on waste. Cut open balloons before throwing them away. Never let balloons go outside to keep animals safe.
When moving large balloons, use balloon bags and label them. Sort balloons at the event and hold them with nets. Use insulated containers to protect balloons from heat or cold.
You now know that foil balloons come in many sizes, from small to jumbo. Understanding these sizes helps you plan decorations that fit your event. Use the tips below when choosing balloons:
Match balloon size to your venue and event type.
Think about float time and how long you need the balloons.
Pick shapes and colors that fit your theme.
Balloon Size |
Common Uses |
|---|---|
5" |
Garlands, small decorations |
11" |
Bouquets, arches, centerpieces |
16" |
Large displays, maximum visual impact |
36" |
Grand entrances, photo backdrops |
Refer to these guides to make your next celebration stand out.

