A typical medium frame of fully capped honey generally weighs between 3 and 5 pounds. This variance is normal and depends largely on how widely the bees have drawn out the comb and the specific moisture content of the honey.
For planning purposes, an average of 4 pounds per medium frame is a reliable baseline for estimating total harvest yield and equipment requirements.
Estimating Hive Yields
The Range of Expectations
While 4 pounds is a safe average, you will rarely find every frame weighs exactly the same. 3 to 5 pounds is the standard operational range for a fully capped medium frame.
Calculating Super Weight
If you are using a standard 10-frame medium super, a full harvest from that box will yield approximately 30 to 50 pounds of honey.
This calculation does not include the weight of the wooden ware and wax, which adds to the total lifting load.
Visual Cues for Weight
Frames at the 5-pound end of the spectrum usually have "fat" comb that extends beyond the wooden edges of the frame.
Frames closer to 3 pounds may be fully capped but drawn flush with the wood, containing less overall volume.
Planning for Extraction
Matching Capacity to Equipment
Knowing individual frame weights is critical when selecting or using an extractor. Manual honey extractors typically hold between 2 to 4 frames at a time.
Balancing the Load
Because medium frames can vary by up to 2 pounds (the difference between a 3-pound and 5-pound frame), you must balance your extractor carefully.
Placing a 5-pound frame opposite a 3-pound frame in a manual extractor will cause significant wobbling. You must group frames of similar weights to ensure smooth operation.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Weight vs. Handling
The primary advantage of the medium frame is its manageability. Even at the maximum weight of 5 pounds per frame, a full box is generally liftable for most beekeepers.
However, the trade-off is volume. You must handle more individual frames to get the same yield compared to larger, heavier deep frames.
Capacity Limitations
While automatic extractors exist, manual models are limited to processing a small batch (2-4 frames) at once.
If you have a high yield of heavy (5-pound) frames, the physical effort required to crank a manual extractor increases significantly.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To manage your harvest effectively, apply these weight estimates to your specific objectives:
- If your primary focus is estimating yield: Calculate your total harvest potential by multiplying your total number of capped frames by 4 pounds.
- If your primary focus is extraction planning: Sort your frames by weight before loading your extractor to prevent imbalance, keeping in mind the 2 to 4 frame limit of manual units.
Understanding the weight of your frames allows you to plan your labor and equipment needs with precision.
Summary Table:
| Frame Characteristic | Typical Weight | 10-Frame Super Yield | Extractor Load Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Medium Frame | 3 - 5 lbs | 30 - 50 lbs | 2 - 4 Frames (Manual) |
| "Fat" Comb Frame | ~5 lbs | Upper Limit | High Effort Required |
| Flush-Drawn Frame | ~3 lbs | Lower Limit | Easier to Crank |
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