Does My Helium Tank Contain 100 Percent Helium?

Modified on Tue, 6 May at 10:40 AM

Helium tanks can contain up to 99% pure helium, but to know for sure, it's best to confirm the exact percentage with your helium supplier. Most tanks typically range between 90% and 99% helium.

Helium suppliers use other gases to fill the rest of the tank. The remaining portion of the tank is usually filled with heavier gases, such as nitrogen, which is close in weight to air. This mix may affect how long balloons float and how well they lift. In some cases, disposable tanks may contain up to 20% air, significantly reducing float times.

Bargain Balloons has tested the float times of disposable tanks and has found that their float times are much shorter than expected. Unfortunately, this causes some customers to mistakenly think their balloons are defective or poor quality. Kindly note: no helium tank has 100% pure helium.

Many companies will often advertise helium used in the balloon industry as balloon gas. These companies are honestly telling you the tank has a lower purity rating, but you would have to ask them what that percentage is.

A certain amount of air or nitrogen in the tank is acceptable. There is a technique called "60/40" where balloons are inflated with 60% helium and 40% air. These balloons can still float; however, they require proper understanding and handling. See more details here.