A standard ten-frame hive body is manufactured in four primary depths. The most common measurements are the full-depth hive body (9 5/8 inches), the medium-depth super (6 5/8 inches), the shallow-depth super (5 11/16 inches), and the section comb honey super (4 5/8 inches). Additionally, some beekeepers utilize an intermediate size that measures 7 5/8 inches in depth.
Core Insight: While the length and width of a ten-frame hive remain standard to ensure stackability, depth variations exist primarily to manage the physical weight of the equipment when full and to accommodate specific beekeeping goals like comb honey production.
The Hierarchy of Hive Depths
When selecting equipment, it is critical to understand the standard dimensions and the specific role each size typically plays in the apiary.
Full-Depth Hive Body (9 5/8 Inches)
This is the traditional "deep" box found at the bottom of most hives.
Because of its large volume, it is most commonly used as a brood chamber, providing the queen ample uninterrupted space to lay eggs.
Medium-Depth Super (6 5/8 Inches)
Often referred to as the "Illinois" or "Dadant" super, this size offers significant versatility.
It is widely used for honey storage, but many beekeepers now use it for brood chambers as well to standardize their equipment and reduce weight.
Shallow-Depth Super (5 11/16 Inches)
This box is designed almost exclusively for honey production.
Its reduced depth makes it significantly lighter to lift when full of capped honey, making it a preferred choice for hobbyists concerned with heavy lifting.
Section Comb Honey Super (4 5/8 Inches)
This is a specialized, shallow unit designed for a specific purpose.
It is used primarily for producing section comb honey (honey sold directly in the comb), as the shallow depth encourages bees to fill the intricate sections completely.
The Intermediate Size (7 5/8 Inches)
While less ubiquitous than the options above, this depth is available for beekeepers seeking a middle ground.
It offers a compromise between the heavy full-depth box and the smaller medium super, though finding matching frames and foundation can sometimes be more difficult.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Choosing the right depth involves balancing total hive volume against physical manageability.
The Weight Factor
A full-depth box filled with honey can weigh upwards of 90 pounds.
In contrast, a medium super typically weighs 50–60 pounds, and a shallow super is even lighter. You must honestly assess your ability to lift these boxes repeatedly during a harvest.
Component Compatibility
While boxes of different depths can be stacked on top of one another, the frames inside are not interchangeable.
Using a single size (such as all mediums) allows you to move frames between brood and honey areas, whereas mixing deeps and shallows restricts which frames fit in which box.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Select your hive depths based on your physical requirements and your management style.
- If your primary focus is standardizing equipment: Choose the Medium (6 5/8") depth for both brood and honey supers to ensure every frame fits every box.
- If your primary focus is maximum brood volume: Stick with traditional Full-Depth (9 5/8") boxes for the bottom chambers to give the queen large, continuous sheets of comb.
- If your primary focus is ease of lifting: Utilize Shallow (5 11/16") supers for your honey harvest to keep the weight of each box manageable.
Ultimately, consistency within your own operation is more important than adhering to a specific industry standard.
Summary Table:
| Hive Body Type | Depth (Inches) | Primary Use Case | Weight (Full of Honey) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Depth (Deep) | 9 5/8" | Brood Chamber / Main Colony | ~90 lbs |
| Medium (Illinois) | 6 5/8" | Versatile: Honey or Brood | ~50-60 lbs |
| Shallow | 5 11/16" | Honey Production (Lighter) | ~30-40 lbs |
| Section Comb | 4 5/8" | Specialized Comb Honey | Very Light |
| Intermediate | 7 5/8" | Middle-ground Alternative | Variable |
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