The Dragon Balls are one of the most iconic elements of Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball universe. These magical orbs grant wishes when gathered, serving as the driving force behind many adventures in the series. But how many Dragon Balls are there in total? The answer isn’t as simple as you might think—different sets exist across planets, timelines, and even universes.
This guide breaks down every known set of Dragon Balls, their origins, and how they function.
Table of Contents
The Standard Dragon Balls (Earth & Namekian Sets)
1. Earth’s Dragon Balls
- Number: 7
- Creator: Kami (later Dende)
- Size: About the size of a baseball
- Activation Phrase: “Porunga!” (Namekian) or “Shenron, come forth!” (Earth)
- Wish Limit: Originally 1 wish, later upgraded to 2
These were the first Dragon Balls introduced in the series. Scattered across Earth, they summon Shenron, the Eternal Dragon, who grants wishes within his power.
2. Namekian Dragon Balls
- Number: 7
- Creator: The Namekian Elder (Guru)
- Size: Much larger than Earth’s (about the size of a basketball)
- Activation Phrase: “Porunga, appear!”
- Wish Limit: 3 wishes
These orbs are more powerful than Earth’s, capable of resurrecting multiple people at once. They summon Porunga, a larger and more imposing dragon.
Advanced & Alternate Dragon Ball Sets
3. Black Star Dragon Balls (Evil Dragons Arc)
- Number: 7
- Creator: Kami before splitting from Piccolo
- Special Feature: Spread across the galaxy when used; if not recollected within a year, the planet they were used on explodes
These were introduced in Dragon Ball GT and led to the Shadow Dragons arc when overuse corrupted them.
4. Super Dragon Balls (Universe 6 & 7)
- Number: 7
- Creator: The Dragon God Zalama
- Size: Planet-sized (the largest Dragon Balls in existence)
- Activation Phrase: Unknown (requires the Divine Language)
- Wish Limit: 1 wish, but with near-limitless power
These godly orbs can alter reality on a universal scale. They were key in the Tournament of Power arc in Dragon Ball Super.
5. Dark Dragon Balls (Alternate Timeline)
- Number: 7
- Origin: Created by an evil Namekian in Dragon Ball Heroes
- Special Feature: Corrupted versions that summon dark dragons
These appear in non-canon storylines and video games, often tied to villainous plots.
Special Cases & One-Off Dragon Balls
6. Two-Star Dragon Ball (Giru’s Variant in GT)
- Unique Case: Giru (a robot) absorbs the Two-Star Ball, making him a living Dragon Radar
7. Fake Dragon Balls (Created by Pilaf & Others)
Several villains, like Emperor Pilaf, have attempted to create fake Dragon Balls, but they lack real power.
Total Number of Dragon Balls Across All Canons
| Type | Number of Balls | Total Across Sets |
|---|---|---|
| Earth’s Dragon Balls | 7 | 7 |
| Namekian Dragon Balls | 7 | 14 |
| Black Star Dragon Balls | 7 | 21 |
| Super Dragon Balls | 7 | 28 |
| Dark Dragon Balls | 7 | 35 |
Total Canon Dragon Balls: 35+ (including duplicates in alternate timelines)
FAQs About the Dragon Balls
Q1: Why are there always 7 Dragon Balls?
A: The number 7 is culturally significant in Japan (symbolizing luck), and Toriyama chose it as a balanced number for storytelling.
Q2: Can Dragon Balls run out of energy?
A: Yes—after use, they turn to stone and must recharge (usually for a year).
Q3: Who has the strongest Dragon Balls?
A: The Super Dragon Balls, as they can affect entire universes.
Q4: Are there Dragon Balls in other universes?
A: Only Universes 6 & 7 have Super Dragon Balls, but other universes may have their own versions.
Q5: Can Dragon Balls destroy planets?
A: Indirectly—the Black Star Balls cause planetary destruction if not recollected.
Final Thoughts
From Earth’s classic set to the godly Super Dragon Balls, these wish-granting orbs remain central to Dragon Ball’s lore. While the standard number is 7 per set, multiple variations exist—each with unique rules and powers.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, understanding how many Dragon Balls there are helps appreciate the depth of Toriyama’s universe.
