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Beehive Frame Calculator — Frames, Boxes & Foundation

Plan frames per box, foundation sheets, and total supplies for your hives

Total Frames

70

Boxes

6

Foundation

70

Total Frames Needed

70

Total Boxes

6

Foundation Sheets

70

Breakdown

Frames per Box10
Total Boxes6
Foundation Sheets70
Extra/Spare Frames10

What You'll Need

VIVO Complete Beekeeping Starter Kit with Suit & Tools

VIVO Complete Beekeeping Starter Kit with Suit & Tools

$80-$1204.3
View on Amazon
Honey Extractor 2-Frame Manual Stainless Steel

Honey Extractor 2-Frame Manual Stainless Steel

$100-$1504.4
View on Amazon
Mann Lake Economy Beeswax Foundation 10-Pack Deep

Mann Lake Economy Beeswax Foundation 10-Pack Deep

$22-$304.5
View on Amazon
VIVO Complete Beekeeping Starter Kit with Suit & Tools

VIVO Complete Beekeeping Starter Kit with Suit & Tools

$80-$1204.3
View on Amazon
Honey Extractor 2-Frame Manual Stainless Steel

Honey Extractor 2-Frame Manual Stainless Steel

$100-$1504.4
View on Amazon
Mann Lake Economy Beeswax Foundation 10-Pack Deep

Mann Lake Economy Beeswax Foundation 10-Pack Deep

$22-$304.5
View on Amazon

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Example Calculations

12 Langstroth Deep Hives, 3 Boxes Each

Inputs

Hives2
TypeLangstroth Deep
Boxes/Hive3
Extra10

Result

Total Frames70
Total Boxes6
Foundation Sheets70

Frames = 2 × 3 × 10 + 10 = 70. Foundation = 70 × 1 = 70 sheets.

24 Langstroth Medium Hives, 4 Boxes Each

Inputs

Hives4
TypeLangstroth Medium
Boxes/Hive4
Extra20

Result

Total Frames180
Total Boxes16
Foundation Sheets180

Frames = 4 × 4 × 10 + 20 = 180. Foundation = 180 × 1 = 180 sheets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How many frames does a Langstroth hive need?

A standard Langstroth hive uses 10 frames per box. A typical setup has 2 deep brood boxes and 1–2 medium supers, totaling 30–40 frames per hive. Keep 10–20% extra frames as spares for swarm management and inspections.

  • 10 frames per Langstroth deep, medium, or shallow box
  • 2 deep brood boxes = 20 frames for the brood nest
  • 1–2 medium supers for honey = 10–20 additional frames
  • Keep 10–20% spare frames for swaps during inspections
  • Top bar hives use 25–30 bars instead of framed foundation
Q

Do I need foundation sheets for every frame?

Langstroth frames typically use one foundation sheet each (wax or plastic). Top bar hives use a small wax strip starter instead, needing about half a sheet equivalent per bar. Foundationless beekeeping is possible but requires careful management.

  • Langstroth: 1 foundation sheet per frame (wax or plastic)
  • Top bar: 0.5 sheet equivalent (wax starter strip)
  • Plastic foundation is reusable and lasts 10+ years
  • Wax foundation needs replacing every 3–5 years
  • Foundationless: no sheets but requires straight comb management
Q

How many boxes per hive should I plan for?

Plan for 2–3 deep or medium boxes for the brood nest plus 1–3 honey supers depending on your nectar flow. Most beekeepers in temperate climates run 3 boxes minimum per hive, scaling to 4–5 during peak honey season.

  • 2 deeps for brood nest is the classic Langstroth setup
  • All-medium setups use 3 medium boxes for brood
  • 1–3 honey supers added seasonally above a queen excluder
  • First-year hives rarely fill more than 2–3 boxes
  • Strong colonies in good years can fill 4–5 supers
Q

What supplies do I need for each new hive?

Each new Langstroth hive needs: bottom board, 2–3 boxes with frames and foundation, inner cover, outer cover, and a queen excluder. Budget $200–$350 per new hive in woodenware alone, plus $150–$200 for a package of bees.

  • Bottom board (screened preferred): $20–40
  • Boxes with frames: $40–70 per box assembled
  • Foundation (10 sheets): $15–25 per box
  • Inner + outer cover: $25–40
  • Queen excluder: $10–15

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Last Updated: Mar 26, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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