Beekeeping Honey Harvest Yield Calculator
Created by: Ethan Brooks
Last updated:
Estimate your honey harvest yield before extraction. Calculate total pounds based on frame count and size, determine how many jars you can fill, and estimate your potential revenue.
Honey Harvest Yield Calculator
Harvest YieldEstimate your honey harvest yield, jar count, and potential revenue
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What is a Beekeeping Honey Harvest Yield Calculator?
A beekeeping honey harvest yield calculator helps you estimate how much honey you can expect to extract before harvest day. By inputting the number of frames or hives, frame size, and capping percentage, you get accurate yield estimates plus jar counts and potential revenue calculations.
Our calculator accounts for regional conditions and helps beekeepers plan their harvest, prepare enough jars and storage, and understand the potential value of their crop.
How Much Honey Per Frame?
Deep Frames (9-1/8"): 6-8 lbs when fully capped
Medium Frames (6-1/4"): 4-5 lbs when fully capped
Shallow Frames (5-3/8"): 2.5-3.5 lbs when fully capped
How Much Honey to Leave for Bees
Northern climates: 60-90 lbs
Mid-latitudes: 40-60 lbs
Southern/mild climates: 30-40 lbs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much honey does one frame produce?
A fully capped deep frame yields 6-8 pounds of honey, a medium frame yields 4-5 pounds, and a shallow frame yields 2.5-3.5 pounds. Partially capped frames yield less. Always wait until frames are at least 80% capped before harvesting.
How many jars of honey from one hive?
In good conditions, one hive can produce 30-60 pounds of harvestable honey per year. At 1 pound per jar (16 oz), that's 30-60 jars. Excellent areas can yield 60-100+ pounds. Always leave 40-90 pounds for the bees to overwinter.
When should I harvest honey?
Harvest when frames are at least 80% capped and the main nectar flow has ended. In most areas, this means late summer (August-September). Harvesting earlier during a nectar flow means missing out on additional honey production.
How do I know if honey is ready to harvest?
Honey is ready when 80% or more of the cells are capped with beeswax. You can also do a shake test: hold the frame horizontally and shake - if honey drips out, it's not ready. The moisture content should be below 18%.
How much should I charge for honey?
Local raw honey typically sells for $8-15 per pound at farmers markets. Specialty varietals like sourwood or orange blossom command $15-25+ per pound. Consider your production costs, packaging, and local market when pricing.
How much honey should I leave for the bees?
Leave 60-90 pounds for northern climates, 40-60 pounds for mid-latitudes, and 30-40 pounds for southern or mild climates. Bees need this honey to survive winter when they cannot forage.
Sources and References
- University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, "Honey Bee Colony Management"
- North Carolina State University, "Honey Production and Processing"
- National Honey Board, "Honey Industry Statistics"