Quick answer: A polyurethane advertising blimp needs 105 cubic feet of helium for a 10-foot size and 1,510 cubic feet for a 30-foot size. The popular 13-foot blimp needs about 170 cubic feet per fill. Use the calculator to see what that costs at your local helium price.
Helium cost calculator
Helium prices change a lot by city and supplier. The PVC estimate uses our own figure that a similar PVC blimp needs about 3 times the helium of a polyurethane blimp.
Helium needed for each blimp size
| Blimp length | Helium per fill | Blimp price |
|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 105 cu ft | $684 |
| 13 ft | 170 cu ft | $975 |
| 15 ft | 255 cu ft | $1,258 |
| 18 ft | 329 cu ft | $1,813 |
| 21 ft | 430 cu ft | $2,561 |
| 25 ft | 787 cu ft | $4,208 |
| 30 ft | 1,510 cu ft | $6,772 |
Blimp prices are as of August 2026 and can change. See the full price list.
Why the material changes your helium bill
Helium is the biggest running cost of an advertising blimp. Polyurethane film holds helium longer than PVC, so you refill less often. By our measurements, a polyurethane blimp needs about one third of the helium of a similar PVC blimp. A 13-foot polyurethane blimp gives about the same visibility as a 20-foot PVC blimp. Read polyurethane vs. PVC for the full comparison.
How to lower your helium cost
- Pick the smallest size that people can see from where they drive. The 13-foot size is enough for most model homes and car lots.
- Bring the blimp down in strong wind or storms, so it does not get damaged and leak.
- Store it full, out of the sun, when you can. A 13-foot blimp fits in a normal home garage.
- Get prices from more than one gas supplier in your area.
Common questions
How much helium does an advertising blimp need?
From 105 cubic feet for a 10-foot blimp to 1,510 cubic feet for a 30-foot blimp. A 13-foot blimp needs about 170 cubic feet.
Is helium included in the blimp price?
No. Helium is bought separately, usually from a local gas supplier. A helium hose is available for $42.
Why does a PVC blimp cost more to fly?
PVC lets helium escape faster, so it needs more helium over time. By our figures, a similar PVC blimp needs about 3 times the helium of a polyurethane one.
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See advertising blimp sizes and prices or get a free quote. Call 1-800-791-1445.