Langstroth hive dimensions are not globally uniform, but rather vary slightly by region due to differences in lumber standards and local beekeeping traditions. While the fundamental design remains the same, specific inner measurements for width, length, and box depth differ between countries like Canada (380mm x 469mm) and Australia (362mm x 464mm).
The Langstroth design is a concept, not a strict global manufacturing tolerance. Because dimensions vary by country, equipment from one region is often incompatible with equipment from another, leading to violations of "bee space" and frame fitment issues.
Regional Variations in Dimensions
Although the Langstroth hive is the global standard for movable frame beekeeping, the "standard" measurements change depending on where you are located.
Australia and New Zealand
These two countries share the same internal box dimensions but differ significantly in the height of their honey supers. Both countries utilize an inner width of 362mm and a length of 464mm.
The brood box depth for both is consistent at 241mm. However, the honey super depth varies: Australia uses a 168mm depth, whereas New Zealand uses a deeper 184mm standard.
Canada
Canadian hives are generally larger internally than their Southern Hemisphere counterparts. The standard inner dimensions are 380mm wide by 469mm long.
Like Australia and New Zealand, the brood depth is 241mm. The Canadian super depth aligns with the Australian standard at 168mm.
United Kingdom
The UK standard sits between the other regions in terms of width. The inner dimensions are 370mm wide by 464mm long.
The vertical dimensions are distinct here as well. The brood depth is slightly deeper at 242mm, while the super depth is much shallower at only 146mm.
Denmark
Danish hives present another unique variation. The standard inner dimensions are 374mm wide by 463mm long.
The vertical depths are 240mm for the brood box and 165mm for the super.
Understanding the Trade-offs of Variation
It is critical to understand that these small millimeter differences have major impacts on hive management.
Equipment Incompatibility
You generally cannot mix hive bodies from different countries. A Canadian box placed on an Australian bottom board would overhang, potentially exposing the hive to pests or weather. Conversely, a narrower box placed on a wider one leaves gaps that bees will fill with propolis or burr comb.
The "Bee Space" Violation
The Langstroth design relies on precise "bee space" (usually 6mm to 9mm) to prevent bees from gluing frames together. Mixing depths—such as using a UK super (146mm) with frames designed for a New Zealand super (184mm)—will result in massive construction of cross-comb, making the hive unmanageable.
Vertical Customization and Frame Sizes
While the box footprint (length and width) is fixed by region, the vertical configuration is highly customizable.
Box Types and Weights
Beekeepers stack boxes based on weight management and colony needs. Deep boxes (typically for brood) can weigh up to 80 lbs when full. Medium boxes are lighter, weighing up to 60 lbs, while shallow boxes are often used for accessories like feeders rather than expansion.
Frame Dimensions
The frames inside the box must match the box depth. Regardless of the box depth, the top bar of the frame is usually 19 inches long. This length allows the frame ears to rest on the outer edges of the box, extending beyond the internal length (e.g., 464mm or approx. 18.25 inches).
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Before purchasing or building equipment, you must identify the standard used by your local community to ensure future compatibility.
- If your primary focus is sourcing equipment: Purchase all woodenware from suppliers within your specific country to guarantee that boxes stack flush and frames fit correctly.
- If your primary focus is building your own hives: Strictly follow the internal dimensions listed for your specific country (e.g., 362mm width for Australia) to ensure your gear matches local extractors and resale markets.
- If your primary focus is managing weight: Opt for shallow or medium supers (where available in your regional dimensions) to keep lifting weight under 60 lbs.
Standardization is only standard if you stay within your region boundaries.
Summary Table:
| Region | Inner Width | Inner Length | Brood Depth | Super Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 362mm | 464mm | 241mm | 168mm |
| Canada | 380mm | 469mm | 241mm | 168mm |
| United Kingdom | 370mm | 464mm | 242mm | 146mm |
| Denmark | 374mm | 463mm | 240mm | 165mm |
| New Zealand | 362mm | 464mm | 241mm | 184mm |
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