Standard honey supers are defined by three specific vertical dimensions. To accommodate varying storage needs and physical lifting capabilities, honey supers are manufactured in three standard heights: the Deep super at 9 5/8 inches, the Medium super at 6 5/8 inches, and the Shallow super at 5 3/4 inches. Regardless of their height, these boxes are standardized horizontally to fit common hive width configurations, such as 5-frame, 8-frame, or 10-frame setups.
While the width of your super must match your specific hive configuration (typically 8 or 10 frames), the height you choose is largely a matter of physical management; smaller supers weigh significantly less when full, making them easier to lift during harvest.
Vertical Dimensions: The Three Standard Heights
The vertical dimension of the box determines the size of the frame that fits inside it. Most beekeepers mix and match these sizes based on their management strategy.
Deep Supers (9 5/8 Inch)
The Deep super is the largest standard box, measuring 9 5/8 inches in height. While often used as the main brood chamber where the bees raise their young, these boxes can also serve as honey supers.
Because of their large volume, they hold the most potential honey, but they are also the heaviest option when fully filled.
Medium Supers (6 5/8 Inch)
The Medium super measures 6 5/8 inches in height. This size strikes a balance between storage capacity and weight manageable for the average beekeeper.
Because of this versatility, mediums are a very popular choice for honey storage.
Shallow Supers (5 3/4 Inch)
The Shallow super is the shortest option, standing at 5 3/4 inches tall. These are designed specifically to limit the total weight of the box.
Shallows are ideal for those who prioritize ease of lifting over maximum volume per box.
Horizontal Dimensions: Matching the Hive Width
While height varies, the "footprint" of the box must match your existing hive equipment.
Frame Configurations
Honey supers are standardized to fit specific frame counts, most commonly 8-frame or 10-frame widths.
A 10-frame super will not fit securely on an 8-frame brood box, and vice versa. It is critical to ensure your supers match the width of your bottom board and brood chambers.
5-Frame Nucs
There are also 5-frame configurations available. These are typically used for smaller colonies or nucleus hives ("nucs") rather than full production honey harvesting.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Choosing the right super size is rarely about the bees' preference; it is almost entirely about the beekeeper's physical limitations and equipment strategy.
Weight Management
The most critical trade-off is weight. A full box of honey is surprisingly heavy.
According to standard estimates, a full Shallow super weighs approximately 35-40 pounds. A Medium super holds more honey and consequently weighs about 10 pounds more than a shallow.
While Deep supers offer the most volume, a deep box full of honey can be extremely difficult for a single person to lift safely.
Modularity vs. Specialization
Using different sizes for brood (Deeps) and honey (Shallows or Mediums) creates a specialized system. However, it prevents you from moving frames between boxes.
If you use Mediums for both your brood chambers and your honey supers, you gain the advantage of total interchangeability, though you may need more boxes overall to achieve the same volume.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
When selecting your equipment, consider your physical comfort and long-term management style.
- If your primary focus is minimizing back strain: Choose Shallow supers (5 3/4 inch), as they remain roughly 10 pounds lighter than mediums when full.
- If your primary focus is equipment interchangeability: Choose Medium supers (6 5/8 inch) for both brood and honey, allowing you to swap frames anywhere in the hive.
- If your primary focus is maximum volume per box: Choose Deep supers (9 5/8 inch), provided you have the equipment or assistance to lift heavy loads.
Select the size that allows you to harvest your honey safely without compromising your physical health.
Summary Table:
| Super Type | Height (Inches) | Best Use Case | Approx. Weight (Full) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Super | 9 5/8" | Brood chambers & Max volume | 80+ lbs |
| Medium Super | 6 5/8" | Versatile honey storage | 45-50 lbs |
| Shallow Super | 5 3/4" | Easier lifting & back health | 35-40 lbs |
| Nuc Super | Variable | Small colonies/5-frame setups | Lightweight |
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