Standard Langstroth frame heights are categorized into three precise dimensions designed to match the depth of the corresponding hive box. The industry-standard heights are 9 1/8 inches for Deep frames, 6 1/4 inches for Medium frames, and 5 3/8 inches for Shallow frames.
While all Langstroth frames share a uniform width to fit standard boxes, the height varies significantly to manage the total weight of the hive. Your choice of frame height dictates the volume of the box and, consequently, how heavy that box will be when full of honey.
Understanding the Three Standard Sizes
Deep Frames (9 1/8 Inches)
These are the largest standard frames, typically used in the bottom boxes of the hive known as the "brood chamber." Their large surface area is ideal for the queen to lay uninterrupted patterns of brood. However, when filled with honey, a box of deep frames can weigh upwards of 80 pounds, making them physically demanding to move.
Medium Frames (6 1/4 Inches)
Often referred to as "Illinois" supers, medium frames strike a balance between capacity and manageability. Many beekeepers use these for honey storage, as a full box weighs significantly less than a deep box (approx. 50-60 pounds). Some beekeepers exclusively use medium frames for the entire hive to standardize their equipment.
Shallow Frames (5 3/8 Inches)
These are the shortest frames available and are strictly used for honey storage, never for the brood nest. They are designed for beekeepers who prioritize weight reduction above all else. A full box of shallow frames is the lightest option, usually weighing between 30 and 40 pounds.
The Role of Component Dimensions
Uniform Width for Compatibility
Regardless of height, all standard Langstroth frames maintain a consistent width of 19 3/16 inches. This ensures that any frame, whether deep, medium, or shallow, will fit lengthwise into a standard Langstroth hive body.
Sidebar and Bar Geometry
The height of the frame is determined specifically by the length of the sidebars. Supplementary data indicates that for manufacturing purposes, sidebars are cut to approximately 230 mm for deeps, 160 mm for mediums, and 134 mm for shallows. The top bars generally extend beyond the sidebars (480 mm total length) to create ears that rest on the hive box rebates.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Weight vs. Efficiency
There is a direct trade-off between the physical weight of the equipment and inspection efficiency. Using larger Deep frames means you handle fewer individual frames to inspect the same amount of comb area. However, the physical strain of lifting deep boxes full of honey is a leading cause of back injury in beekeeping.
Standardization vs. Optimization
Using a mix of frame sizes optimizes the hive for the bees (large brood area) and the beekeeper (lighter honey boxes). However, it creates a logistical challenge: you cannot swap a frame from a shallow super into a deep brood box. This lack of interchangeability can be frustrating during complex hive manipulations or splits.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
When selecting frame sizes, you are effectively choosing the weight you are willing to lift and the complexity of your inventory.
- If your primary focus is maximum brood health: Use Deep frames (9 1/8") for your brood boxes to provide the queen with the largest possible continuous area for laying eggs.
- If your primary focus is physical ease and lifting: Use Shallow frames (5 3/8") or Medium frames (6 1/4") for your honey supers to keep box weights manageable.
- If your primary focus is equipment simplicity: Use Medium frames (6 1/4") for both brood and honey boxes, allowing complete interchangeability throughout the entire apiary.
Select the frame height that supports your management style without exceeding your physical limits.
Summary Table:
| Frame Type | Height (Inches) | Height (Metric) | Primary Use | Weight (Full Box) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep | 9 1/8" | ~232 mm | Brood Chambers | 80+ lbs |
| Medium | 6 1/4" | ~159 mm | Honey Supers / Brood | 50-60 lbs |
| Shallow | 5 3/8" | ~137 mm | Honey Supers | 30-40 lbs |
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