Beekeeping Bee Space Calculator
Created by: Emma Collins
Last updated:
Calculate proper bee space for your hive construction. Ensure frame spacing falls within the optimal 5/16" to 3/8" range for easy inspections and minimal burr comb.
What is a Beekeeping Bee Space Calculator?
A Bee Space Calculator helps beekeepers determine proper frame spacing in their hives. Bee space - the critical 5/16" to 3/8" (8-10mm) gap that bees maintain for passage - is fundamental to modern beekeeping and removable-frame hive design.
Whether you're building custom hive bodies, converting non-standard equipment, or troubleshooting frame spacing issues, this calculator ensures your measurements fall within the optimal bee space range.
Understanding Bee Space
Optimal Range: 5/16" to 3/8" (8-10mm) - bees leave this gap open for passage
Too Small (<1/4"): Bees seal gaps with propolis, gluing components together
Too Large (>3/8"): Bees build burr comb, connecting frames with irregular wax
Standard Frame Spacing: 1-3/8" (35mm) center-to-center for Langstroth
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bee space and why is it important?
Bee space is the gap (5/16" to 3/8" or 8-10mm) that bees leave open for passage. Gaps smaller than bee space get filled with propolis; larger gaps get filled with burr comb. Proper bee space is essential for removable frames and easy hive management.
Who discovered bee space?
Reverend Lorenzo Langstroth discovered bee space in 1851, leading to the invention of the modern movable-frame hive. This discovery revolutionized beekeeping by allowing frames to be removed without destroying comb.
What happens if bee space is too small?
Gaps smaller than 1/4" (6mm) get sealed with propolis, gluing frames together and making inspection difficult. Frames become stuck and may break when you try to remove them.
What happens if bee space is too large?
Gaps larger than 3/8" (10mm) get filled with burr comb - irregular wax comb built between frames. This connects frames together, makes inspection messy, and wastes the bees' resources.
Does bee space vary by bee race?
Slightly. European honey bees (Italian, Carniolan) prefer 5/16" to 3/8" (8-10mm). African bees tend to prefer slightly smaller spaces. Most commercial equipment is standardized to 3/8" (9.5mm) which works well for all common races.
Sources and References
- Langstroth, L.L., "Langstroth on the Hive and the Honey-Bee: A Bee Keeper's Manual", 1853
- Seeley, T.D., "The Lives of Bees", Princeton University Press, 2019
- Caron, D.M. & Connor, L.J., "Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping", Wicwas Press