Langstroth frames are defined by a universal top bar length of 19 inches and a standard sidebar width of 1 3/8 inches, while the depth varies significantly depending on the frame's specific function within the hive.
The five standard depths are Jumbo (11.2 inches), Deep (9 1/8 inches), Medium (6 1/4 inches), Shallow (5 3/8 inches), and Comb Super (4 1/8 inches).
Core Takeaway While the top bar length is constant to ensure compatibility with standard 8-frame or 10-frame boxes, the frame depth dictates the volume of comb available for brood or honey. Choosing the correct depth is critical for managing hive weight and maintaining the "bee space" required for a healthy colony.
Standardized Dimensions: Length and Width
Regardless of the vertical depth, the horizontal dimensions of Langstroth frames are designed for interchangeability.
The Universal Top Bar
The top bar of a standard Langstroth frame is 19 inches long.
This length is greater than the internal length of the hive box, allowing the "ears" (or lugs) of the frame to rest securely on the box's rabbeted edges.
The Standard Width (Spacing)
The standard width for the sidebars (end bars) is 1 3/8 inches.
This dimension is critical because it creates the necessary self-spacing between frames. When pushed together, this width ensures the correct "bee space" between the combs, allowing bees to move freely without building unwanted bridge comb.
Frame Depths by Type
The primary variable in frame selection is depth. You must match the frame depth to the specific box type you are using.
Deep Frames (Standard Brood)
Depth: 9 1/8 inches
These are the most common frames used for the brood chamber (the bottom boxes where the queen lays eggs). Because they hold a large volume of heavy honey and brood, fully loaded deep boxes can be difficult to lift.
Medium Frames (Illinois or Western)
Depth: 6 1/4 inches
Medium frames are often used as "honey supers" (boxes for surplus honey). Some beekeepers also use them for brood chambers to standardize their gear and reduce the weight of individual boxes.
Shallow Frames
Depth: 5 3/8 inches
These frames are primarily used for honey production. Because they are lighter when full than Deep or Medium frames, they are easier to harvest and handle.
Jumbo Frames (Dadant)
Depth: 11.2 inches
These are extra-deep frames used in specific large-volume hive configurations. They are less common in standard hobbyist beekeeping but provide a massive continuous area for the brood nest.
Comb Super Frames
Depth: 4 1/8 inches
These are the smallest standard frames, specifically designed for the production of comb honey (honey sold in the wax comb rather than extracted).
Critical Distinction: Frame Depth vs. Box Depth
A common point of confusion for new beekeepers is the difference between the height of the box and the height of the frame.
Understanding Bee Space
The frame is always slightly shorter than the box it lives in.
For example, a Deep Frame is 9 1/8 inches, but it fits into a box that is roughly 9 5/8 inches deep.
Why This Matters
Do not attempt to size your frames by measuring the exterior of your hive box. If the frame were the same depth as the box, it would touch the frames in the box below it or the bottom board.
This would crush bees and violate the "bee space" principle, causing bees to glue the components together with propolis. Always purchase frames based on the frame dimensions listed above, not the box dimensions.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Selecting the correct frame size is a balance between biological needs (brood area) and physical limitations (weight management).
- If your primary focus is brood rearing: Use Deep frames (9 1/8") to provide the queen with a large, uninterrupted area for laying eggs.
- If your primary focus is weight management: Use Medium frames (6 1/4") for all boxes; this standardizes your equipment and keeps boxes lighter (maximum ~60 lbs) compared to deeps (~80 lbs).
- If your primary focus is cut-comb honey: Use Shallow (5 3/8") or Comb Super (4 1/8") frames, as their smaller size encourages bees to cap honey faster and allows for easier cutting.
Match the frame depth to your specific hive body, but rely on the universal 19-inch length for compatibility across the system.
Summary Table:
| Frame Type | Depth (Inches) | Primary Use | Top Bar Length | Sidebar Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jumbo | 11.2" | Large-volume brood nests | 19" | 1 3/8" |
| Deep | 9 1/8" | Standard brood chambers | 19" | 1 3/8" |
| Medium | 6 1/4" | Honey supers / Lightweight brood | 19" | 1 3/8" |
| Shallow | 5 3/8" | Specialized honey production | 19" | 1 3/8" |
| Comb Super | 4 1/8" | Cut-comb honey production | 19" | 1 3/8" |
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