What Are The Standard Depths Available For Langstroth Hive Frames? Choose The Best Size For Your Apiary

The standard depths for Langstroth hive frames are categorized into three primary sizes: Deep at 9 1/8 inches (230 mm), Medium at 6 1/4 inches (160 mm), and Shallow at 5 3/8 inches (140 mm). While the length of these frames is generally standardized at 17 5/8 inches to fit the hive body, the depth varies to accommodate different management strategies and physical requirements.

Core Takeaway Although frame dimensions are standardized for compatibility, the depth you select dictates the total weight of the hive box. Your choice should not be based solely on honey capacity, but on a realistic assessment of your physical strength and the scale of your operation.

The Three Standard Depths

While manufacturers may have slight variations in exact dimensions, Langstroth frames generally fall into three distinct categories.

Deep Frames (9 1/8 inches)

These are the largest standard frames, measuring 9 1/8 inches (230 mm) in depth.

They are most commonly used for the brood chamber—the area where the queen lays eggs and the colony raises new bees. Because of their large surface area, they allow for uninterrupted egg-laying patterns, which is beneficial for colony growth.

Medium Frames (6 1/4 inches)

Medium frames measure 6 1/4 inches (160 mm) in depth.

These are often referred to as "Westerns" or "Illinois" supers. They serve as a versatile middle ground, used frequently for honey storage but increasingly used for brood chambers by beekeepers who wish to standardize their equipment to a single size.

Shallow Frames (5 3/8 inches)

The smallest standard size is the Shallow frame, measuring 5 3/8 inches (140 mm) in depth.

These are almost exclusively used for honey supers (the boxes placed on top for honey collection). Their reduced size makes them ideal for harvesting specialty honey or for beekeepers who need the lightest possible lifting option.

Understanding the Trade-offs

Choosing a frame depth is not just about the bees; it is about the logistics of the beekeeper. You must weigh the efficiency of the hive against the physical demands placed on your body.

The Weight Factor

The most critical trade-off is weight. A single box of Deep frames filled with honey can weigh over 100 pounds.

In contrast, Mediums and Shallows reduce this weight significantly. If you are working alone or have physical limitations, relying on Deep frames for honey storage can lead to injury or difficulty during harvest.

Standardization vs. Specialization

Using a mix of frame sizes (Deeps for brood, Shallows for honey) optimizes the hive for specific biological functions. However, it complicates logistics.

Frames of different depths are not interchangeable. If you mix sizes, you cannot easily move a frame of honey into the brood nest to feed a starving colony during winter.

Equipment Complexity

Each frame consists of a top bar, two end bars, and a bottom bar.

Variations exist even within these standard depths, such as grooved or wedged top bars. Managing multiple frame depths requires you to stock and assemble specific components for each box type, increasing the complexity of your inventory.

Making the Right Choice for Your Goal

When selecting frame depths, consider your long-term management style rather than just initial setup costs.

If your primary focus is reducing physical strain: Prioritize Medium or Shallow frames for honey supers to keep box weights manageable.
If your primary focus is equipment interchangeability: Consider using Medium frames exclusively for both brood and honey, allowing you to move resources anywhere in the hive.
If your primary focus is traditional brood management: Stick to Deep frames for the bottom boxes to provide maximum continuous area for the queen's laying pattern.

Select the depth that aligns with your physical capability, as a manageable hive is a healthy hive.

Summary Table:

Frame Type	Depth (Inches)	Depth (mm)	Primary Use	Full Honey Weight (Approx.)
Deep	9 1/8"	230 mm	Brood Chamber	80-100+ lbs
Medium	6 1/4"	160 mm	Honey Supers / Brood	50-60 lbs
Shallow	5 3/8"	140 mm	Honey Supers	30-40 lbs

Scale Your Beekeeping Operation with HONESTBEE

Choosing the right frame depth is vital for operational efficiency and worker safety. At HONESTBEE, we specialize in supporting commercial apiaries and distributors with a complete range of high-quality beekeeping solutions.

Whether you need precision-engineered hive-making machinery, high-capacity honey-filling lines, or a bulk supply of standardized frames and consumables, we provide the tools to streamline your production. Partner with us to access professional-grade equipment and honey-themed cultural merchandise designed for the global market.

Ready to upgrade your equipment? Contact us today to discuss wholesale opportunities!