When is a Helium Tank Full

To explain how we determine that a helium tank is full and why pressure readings may vary: each tank size has a specific internal volume and a corresponding target filling pressure. A tank is considered full when it reaches this standardized pressure during the refill process.

Although pressure readings differ by tank type, the actual fill quantity remains consistent. Fill levels follow the same standardized filling procedures for every refill.

For your reference, below are the standard filling pressures at the time of refill:

Tank Size — Filling Pressure
M-Size — 2450 PSI
C-Size — 2200 PSI
 HEL-50 — 1800 PSI

Please note that helium pressure can decrease when tanks are stored in colder environments, such as garages or basements. This temperature-related change is normal and may cause the pressure gauge to read lower than the original fill pressure. In warmer environments, the pressure reading may be higher.

You may notice that a balloon inflator can show higher PSI readings than the tank’s standard pressure. This is normal. Some inflators mark approximately 1800 to 2400 PSI as “full,” while others do not.  This is because the gauge itself was not only designed for helium use

©01.16.26Y