The specific depths for 8-frame Langstroth boxes are 9 5/8 inches for Deep boxes, 6 5/8 inches for Medium supers, and 5 11/16 inches for Shallow supers. While these vertical dimensions vary to serve different purposes, the length and width remain standardized to ensure all boxes stack securely on top of one another.
While the external footprint of the hive remains fixed to ensure compatibility, the varying depths allow beekeepers to manage total hive weight and segregate the colony’s functions between raising brood and storing surplus honey.
Standard Dimensions and Functions
The 8-frame Langstroth system utilizes a modular design. The boxes share the same footprint—roughly 14 inches wide by 19 7/8 inches long—but differ in height to accommodate different hive management strategies.
The Deep Box (9 5/8 Inch)
This is the largest standard size, measuring 9 5/8 inches in depth.
Because of its large volume, it is predominantly used as the brood chamber, the bottom-most section of the hive where the queen lays eggs and the colony raises new bees.
A single deep box provides substantial space for the colony to expand without requiring frequent intervention.
The Medium Super (6 5/8 Inch)
The Medium box measures 6 5/8 inches in depth.
It serves as a versatile "middle ground" in beekeeping. It is large enough to be used for brood chambers but small enough to manage easily when full of honey.
Many beekeepers use this size for both brood and honey storage to maintain equipment standardization.
The Shallow Super (5 11/16 Inch)
The Shallow box is the shortest option, measuring 5 11/16 inches in depth.
This box is designed almost exclusively for honey storage.
Its reduced volume ensures that even when fully packed with honey and capped comb, the box remains light enough for most beekeepers to lift comfortably.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Choosing the right depth is a balancing act between the biology of the bees and the ergonomics for the beekeeper.
Weight Management
Honey is incredibly dense, making weight the primary factor in choosing box depth.
A fully loaded 8-frame Deep box can weigh around 64 lbs, which can be difficult to lift during inspections.
In contrast, a full Medium box weighs approximately 40 lbs, and a Shallow box tops out around 32 lbs, significantly reducing strain on the back.
Frame Compatibility
It is critical to remember that frames are not interchangeable between boxes of different depths.
A 9 5/8 inch Deep box requires a matching deep frame; putting a shorter frame in a deep box will result in bees building "burr comb" in the empty space, fusing frames together.
Conversely, a deep frame will obviously not fit into a medium or shallow box. This means using mixed sizes requires managing multiple inventories of frames.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
The "correct" box depth depends entirely on your physical capability and your management style.
- If your primary focus is tradition and brood volume: Stick to Deep boxes (9 5/8") for the bottom brood chambers to give the queen maximum uninterrupted laying space.
- If your primary focus is ergonomics and weight reduction: Utilize Shallow supers (5 11/16") for all honey collection to keep lifting weight near 30-35 lbs.
- If your primary focus is equipment standardization: Use Medium boxes (6 5/8") for everything (brood and honey) so that every frame and box in your apiary is interchangeable.
Select the depth that allows you to inspect your hives safely and regularly without risking injury.
Summary Table:
| Box Type | Depth (Height) | Primary Use | Est. Full Weight (8-Frame) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Box | 9 5/8" | Brood Chamber | ~64 lbs |
| Medium Super | 6 5/8" | Brood / Honey | ~40 lbs |
| Shallow Super | 5 11/16" | Honey Storage | ~32 lbs |
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