Beekeeping Frames per Hive Calculator
Created by: Emma Collins
Last updated:
Calculate the total number of frames for your hive configuration. Plan brood chambers, honey supers, and understand your colony's capacity for bees and honey storage.
What is a Beekeeping Frames per Hive Calculator?
A Frames per Hive Calculator helps beekeepers determine the total number of frames needed for their hive configuration. Whether you're setting up a new hive, expanding your apiary, or planning equipment purchases, this calculator shows frame counts, comb area, and colony capacity.
Understanding your hive's frame capacity is essential for colony management, honey production estimates, and equipment budgeting.
Understanding Hive Frame Configurations
Deep Frames: 9-1/8" (232mm) - Used for brood chambers, holds ~5 lbs honey when full
Medium Frames: 6-1/4" (159mm) - Versatile for brood or honey, holds ~3 lbs honey
Shallow Frames: 5-3/8" (137mm) - Honey supers only, holds ~2.5 lbs honey
Comb Area: Each deep frame has ~6,000 cells per side (12,000 total)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many frames should a beehive have?
A standard Langstroth hive typically has 10 frames per box, though 8-frame hives are popular for easier lifting. A full colony may have 2-3 deep boxes (20-30 frames) for brood plus 2-4 supers (20-40 frames) for honey storage.
What's the difference between 8-frame and 10-frame hives?
8-frame hives are lighter (about 20% less weight when full), easier to manage, and better for beekeepers with back issues. 10-frame hives hold more bees and honey per box, requiring fewer boxes for the same colony size.
How many frames of brood should a healthy colony have?
A healthy colony in peak season should have 6-8 frames of brood in a 10-frame box, or 5-6 frames in an 8-frame box. This represents a laying queen producing 1,500-2,000 eggs per day.
When should I add more frames or boxes?
Add a super when bees have drawn comb and are working 7-8 of 10 frames (or 6-7 of 8 frames). Don't wait until they're completely full - bees need room to work and store incoming nectar.
Should I use 9 or 10 frames in a 10-frame box?
For honey supers, 9 frames allow bees to draw deeper comb that's easier to uncap. For brood boxes, use all 10 frames to prevent burr comb. Some beekeepers use 9 frames with frame spacers for even spacing.
Sources and References
- Dadant & Sons, "The Hive and the Honey Bee", Dadant Publications
- Root, A.I., "The ABC and XYZ of Bee Culture", A.I. Root Company
- Bee Culture Magazine, "Hive Equipment Standards"