What “Hive Size” Means
A beehive is a stack of boxes, and “size” can mean several different things: the depth of each box, the number of frames it holds (8 or 10 for most Langstroth equipment), the footprint on the ground, or the total height once honey boxes (supers) are added. Most beekeepers in North America use the Langstroth design, so the numbers below refer to it. Other designs use different dimensions.
Measurements are nominal. Suppliers vary slightly, so check the specifications of the brand you buy, and keep to one supplier for a given hive where you can.
Langstroth Box Measurements
The commonly quoted outside dimensions for 10-frame Langstroth boxes are shown below. Treat them as typical values rather than guarantees.
| Box | Typical height | Typical outside width | Typical outside length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep | about 9 5/8 in (24.5 cm) | about 16 1/4 in (41 cm) | about 19 7/8 in (50.5 cm) |
| Medium | about 6 5/8 in (17 cm) | same | same |
| Shallow | about 5 11/16 in (14.5 cm) | same | same |
8-frame boxes are narrower, at roughly 13 3/4 in (35 cm) wide outside, with the same length and heights. The depth of the box largely decides how heavy it is when full, which matters when you lift it. See how much a hive weighs.
Frame Sizes
Frames hang from a top bar that rests in a rabbet cut into the box. Top bars are typically about 19 in (48 cm) long. Frame heights vary with the box: roughly 9 1/8 in for deeps, 6 1/4 in for mediums and 5 3/8 in for shallows. Frames are generally not interchangeable between box depths without modification.
8-Frame, 10-Frame and Nucs
- 10-frame: the most widely sold size, with more room per box and more weight.
- 8-frame: the same length but narrower, so a full box is lighter. Many beekeepers choose it for easier lifting.
- Nucleus (nuc) box: usually holds 4 to 6 frames and is used for starting, splitting or moving small colonies.
Pick one size and stay with it. Mixing 8- and 10-frame equipment makes it hard to swap boxes and frames between colonies.
Other Hive Types
Warre hives use smaller square boxes stacked from below, and top bar hives use a long horizontal box with bars instead of frames. Their dimensions vary considerably between designs and builders, so follow the plans or supplier you choose. Flow-style hives use proprietary frames that are not interchangeable with Langstroth parts.
Footprint and Placement
A single Langstroth hive occupies a little over one square foot of ground on its stand, but you also need room to stand beside or behind it and to set boxes down while inspecting. Leave working space around each hive, and do not box hives in with fences or shrubs at the entrance side.
For how far a hive should sit from a house, there is no single answer. Local ordinances, lot size, neighbors and flyway direction all matter. Many beekeepers face the entrance away from walkways and use a fence or hedge to push the flight path upward. Check local rules before placing hives.
How Size Affects Weight, Cost and Entrances
- Weight: deeper and wider boxes hold more honey and weigh more. Read how much a bee hive weighs empty, full and before winter.
- Cost: 10-frame kits are usually priced a little higher than 8-frame kits, but price differences between suppliers are often larger than size differences. See what a bee hive costs.
- Base and entrance: the bottom board must match your box width, covered in bottom board dimensions, and the opening can be adjusted as described in hive entrance size.
Choosing a Size
A reasonable default is to choose the equipment common in your area and the size you can lift comfortably. If you are unsure, 8-frame mediums throughout are often recommended for lighter boxes, while 10-frame deeps with medium supers is the traditional arrangement. Neither is wrong; see the best beehive for beginners for more on this choice.
FAQ
What is the definition of a beehive? A structure, usually a set of boxes, that houses a honey bee colony and lets the beekeeper manage it.
What is the 7/10 rule? Descriptions vary. It is generally taken to refer to adding space once most of the frames in a box are in use, but check the source you are following.
How big is a hive overall? A single deep with a few supers is commonly under four feet tall.