Langstroth Hive Dimensions Chart (Boxes & Frames, in/mm)
The Langstroth system, patented in 1852, works because of one measurement: bee space — the 1/4–3/8″ corridor bees keep open instead of sealing or building comb in. Every dimension below preserves bee space between frames, walls, and boxes, which is what keeps frames removable. Use this page when building equipment, checking a supplier’s specs, or diagnosing why frames from two makers do not play together.
Box dimensions (outside)
Deciding between the two widths first? The full weight, cost, and compatibility breakdown is in 8-frame vs 10-frame hives.
| Box | Length | Width | Height | Height (mm) | Full weight, approx. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-frame deep | 19-7/8″ (505 mm) | 16-1/4″ (413 mm) | 9-5/8″ | 244 mm | 80–90 lbs |
| 10-frame medium | 19-7/8″ (505 mm) | 16-1/4″ (413 mm) | 6-5/8″ | 168 mm | 55–60 lbs |
| 10-frame shallow | 19-7/8″ (505 mm) | 16-1/4″ (413 mm) | 5-3/4″ | 146 mm | 45–50 lbs |
| 8-frame deep | 19-7/8″ (505 mm) | ~14″ (356 mm) | 9-5/8″ | 244 mm | ~65 lbs |
| 8-frame medium | 19-7/8″ (505 mm) | ~14″ (356 mm) | 6-5/8″ | 168 mm | ~45 lbs |
| 8-frame shallow | 19-7/8″ (505 mm) | ~14″ (356 mm) | 5-3/4″ | 146 mm | ~38 lbs |
8-frame width varies by maker between 13-3/4″ and 14-1/4″ — another reason not to mix brands within a stack. Full weights assume capped honey; brood boxes run lighter.
Frame dimensions
| Frame | Top bar length | Height | Height (mm) | Fits box | Honey per full frame |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep | 19″ (483 mm) | 9-1/8″ | 232 mm | Deep (9-5/8″) | 8–10 lbs |
| Medium | 19″ (483 mm) | 6-1/4″ | 159 mm | Medium (6-5/8″) | 5–6 lbs |
| Shallow | 19″ (483 mm) | 5-3/8″ | 137 mm | Shallow (5-3/4″) | 4–5 lbs |
Spacing and clearances
| Measurement | Inches | mm | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bee space | 1/4–3/8″ | 6–9.5 | Gaps outside this range get propolized or combed shut |
| Frame center-to-center | 1-3/8″ | 35 | Natural brood comb spacing; self-spacing end bars provide it |
| Frame rest rabbet depth | 5/8″ | 16 | Leaves bee space above frames when boxes stack |
| Top bar width | 1-1/16″ | 27 | Standard across US suppliers |
| Entrance height (reducer open) | 3/8″ | 9.5 | Full-width summer entrance on a standard bottom board |
Other components
| Component | Footprint | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom board | 22″ × 16-1/4″ | Extends ~2″ forward as a landing board; solid or screened |
| Inner cover | 19-7/8″ × 16-1/4″ | Center oval hole ~3-1/2″ × 1-3/8″ for ventilation/escape use |
| Telescoping cover | ~21-3/4″ × 18″ | Overhangs all sides; metal-clad top sheds rain |
| Queen excluder | 19-7/8″ × 16-1/4″ | Wire spacing ~0.163″ (4.1 mm): workers pass, queens do not |
| Entrance reducer | 14-3/4″ × 3/4″ × 3/4″ | Notches typically 3/8″ and ~4″ wide |
Verified against dadant.com· Last verified: 2026-07
Dimensions follow common US supplier standards (Dadant, Mann Lake). Small tolerances vary by maker — verify specs before mixing brands within one stack.
Frequently asked questions
What are the outside dimensions of a 10-frame Langstroth box?
19-7/8″ long × 16-1/4″ wide (505 × 413 mm), with height depending on box type: 9-5/8″ deep, 6-5/8″ medium, or 5-3/4″ shallow. Some manufacturers list width as 16″ even; the small variation does not affect stacking because length and frame rest are the critical fits.
Why is bee space 3/8 inch so important?
Bees leave corridors of about 1/4–3/8″ (6–9 mm) open as walkways. Gaps smaller than that get sealed with propolis; gaps larger get filled with burr comb. Every Langstroth dimension exists to hold exactly one bee space between each frame and its neighbors and walls — which is what makes frames removable. Mixing parts from makers with sloppy tolerances breaks this and welds the hive together.
Can I use deep frames in a medium box?
No — a 9-1/8″ deep frame extends about 2.5″ below a medium box, crushing bees and comb on whatever sits underneath. The frame must match the box: 9-1/8″ frames in deeps, 6-1/4″ in mediums, 5-3/8″ in shallows.
Are 8-frame and 10-frame boxes compatible?
No. They share length and box heights but differ in width (about 14″ vs 16-1/4″), so boxes, bottom boards, covers, and queen excluders cannot be mixed in one stack. The frames themselves are identical — only the count per box differs.