The standard Langstroth frame features a consistent top bar length of 19 inches and a width of 1 1/16 inches across all types. The varying dimension is the height: Deep frames are 9 1/8 inches, Medium frames are 6 1/4 inches, and Shallow frames are 5 3/8 inches high.
Core Takeaway While the vertical depth of the frame changes to match the hive box, the top bar length remains universal at 19 inches to ensure compatibility with standard hive bodies. Adhering to these exact dimensions is critical to maintain proper "bee space" and prevent bees from cementing frames to the hive walls.
Standard Dimensions by Frame Type
Deep Frames (Brood)
The deep frame is the standard for the brood chamber where the queen lays eggs. It measures 19 inches long, 1 1/16 inches wide, and 9 1/8 inches high.
Medium Frames (Honey Super)
Often used for honey collection to reduce weight, the medium frame measures 19 inches long, 1 1/16 inches wide, and 6 1/4 inches high.
Shallow Frames
These are typically used for specialty honey production or accessories. A shallow frame measures 19 inches long, 1 1/16 inches wide, and 5 3/8 inches high.
Frame Component Specifications
The Top Bar Mechanics
The 19-inch top bar is significantly longer than the internal length of the box. This extended length creates "ears" that rest on the rabbets (frame rests) of the hive body.
For high-quality durable frames, the top bar should generally be 3/4 inch thick.
Bottom and End Bars
A standard frame consists of one top bar, one bottom bar, and two end bars. To ensure the frame can withstand the weight of comb and honey, a robust bottom bar is typically 1/2 inch thick.
Understanding Trade-offs and Variations
Regional Dimension Differences
The dimensions listed above are the standard for the United States. International standards vary significantly.
For example, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand use metric dimensions that differ slightly in length and depth. A frame manufactured for a US hive will likely not fit a UK hive (which often uses a 370mm width and 146mm super depth) or an Australian hive.
The Importance of Rabbet Depth
The "rabbet" (the groove the frame rests on) heavily influences how the frame fits. The standard dimension for these rests is 3/8 inch wide and 5/8 inch deep.
Some manufacturers offer deeper cuts (7/8 inch) for metal supports, but purchasing hive bodies with shallow cuts (1/2 or 3/8 inch deep) is a common pitfall. These shallower cuts violate the proper bee space, leading to management difficulties.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
- If your primary focus is building your own equipment: Ensure your top bars are exactly 19 inches long with a 3/4 inch thickness to guarantee they fit standard 10-frame or 8-frame boxes.
- If your primary focus is sourcing equipment internationally: Verify the origin of your hive bodies, as a "Langstroth" box from the UK or Australia will require frames with different metric dimensions than the US standard.
- If your primary focus is hive health: Verify your box rabbets are 5/8 inch deep; incorrect depth combined with standard frames will crush bees and encourage burr comb.
Precision in frame dimensions is the single most important factor in maintaining a manageable, interchangeable, and bee-friendly hive.
Summary Table:
| Frame Type | Top Bar Length | Width | Frame Height | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep | 19 inches | 1 1/16 inches | 9 1/8 inches | Brood Chambers |
| Medium | 19 inches | 1 1/16 inches | 6 1/4 inches | Honey Supers |
| Shallow | 19 inches | 1 1/16 inches | 5 3/8 inches | Specialty Honey |
| Component | Standard Thickness | |||
| Top Bar | 3/4 inch | |||
| Bottom Bar | 1/2 inch |
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