A balloon arch is priced by length and density. Balloons per foot sets the count, and a markup on balloon cost covers labor, helium and profit.
A 10 ft arch at 36 per foot needs 360 balloons and quotes at $405.00.
The example
Three installs with different density and markup.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Case | Length ft | Per ft | Cost each | Markup | Balloons | Quote |
| 2 | Entry arch | 10 | 36.0 | $0.45 | 150.0% | 360 | $405.00 |
| 3 | Garland | 6 | 22.5 | $0.40 | 150.0% | 135 | $135.00 |
| 4 | Column | 8 | 14.0 | $0.50 | 120.0% | 112 | $123.20 |
The formula
Balloon count first, then cost plus markup:
How it works
Here is the logic, one piece at a time:
B2*C2is length times density.ROUNDUPgives whole balloons.F2*D2is balloon cost.*(1+E2)adds the markup;ROUND(...,2)rounds to cents.
Markup is on cost, so 150% means the price is 2.5 times cost.
Try it: interactive demo
Enter length, balloons per foot, cost and markup.
Variations
Add flat labor
Add a setup fee after the markup.
Price per foot
Divide the quote by length.
Pitfalls & errors
Density changes with balloon size; test one foot before quoting.
Do not enter markup as 150; enter 1.5 or format the cell as a percent.
Include helium separately if the arch is lighter than air.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
Is markup the same as margin?
Does this include helium?
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