Spanish flag

Goma vs. liga vs. goma elástica vs. banda elástica

Word practice demo
While goma, liga, goma elástica, and banda elástica all refer to flexible loops of material used to hold things together, the differing usage depends heavily on the specific Spanish-speaking region and the intended context (e.g., office supplies, hair accessories, or fitness equipment).

Goma

A2
This is the most common colloquial term in Spain for a rubber band or a hair tie. However, context is key because goma can also mean eraser, tire, or glue depending on the sentence.
Necesito una goma para atar estos lápices.
(I need a rubber band to tie these pencils.)
¿Tienes una goma para el pelo?
(Do you have a rubber band for hair?)
Pónle una goma al paquete para que no se abra.
(Put a rubber band on the package so it doesn't open.)

Liga

B1
This is the standard term in Mexico and many parts of Latin America for a small rubber band used in offices or for hair. In Spain, liga usually implies a garter (for stockings) rather than a standard rubber band.
Se me rompió la liga del cabello.
(My hair band broke.)
Junta los billetes con una liga.
(Gather the bills with a rubber band.)
Los niños jugaban a disparar ligas.
(The kids were playing at shooting rubber bands.)

Goma elástica

B1
This is the full, descriptive name for a standard office rubber band. It is used more frequently in Spain when one wants to be specific and avoid confusion with an eraser (goma de borrar).
Compre una caja de gomas elásticas para la oficina.
(Buy a box of rubber bands for the office.)
La vieja goma elástica se secó y se partió.
(The old rubber band dried out and snapped.)
Sujeta el rollo de papel con una goma elástica.
(Fasten the paper roll with a rubber band.)

Banda elástica

B2
While this can technically mean a standard rubber band, it is most often used to describe wider, flatter bands, particularly resistance bands used for exercise or physiotherapy.
Uso una banda elástica para mis ejercicios de piernas.
(I use an elastic band for my leg exercises.)
El pantalón tiene una banda elástica en la cintura.
(The pants have an elastic band at the waist.)
El fisioterapeuta me recomendó estirar con una banda elástica.
(The physiotherapist recommended I stretch with an elastic band.)

Summary

Use liga if you are in Mexico or Latin America for standard rubber bands. Use goma or goma elástica if you are in Spain. Reserve banda elástica for wider bands generally used in fitness or clothing.