Beehive Honey Calculator
The beehive honey calculator estimates surplus honey yield from a Langstroth-style beehive based on the number of honey super frames available for harvest, frame type, and fill level. It also calculates potential revenue at your local honey price. Honey production varies enormously by colony strength, forage, and climate; this tool gives a practical harvest estimate from your current super condition. Remember to always leave adequate winter stores in the brood box before harvesting surplus frames.
Honey yield formula
Honey per hive (lb) = Frames x lb per frame x (Fill% / 100)
Total honey (lb) = Honey per hive x Number of hives
Honey (kg) = Honey (lb) x 0.4536
Revenue ($) = Total honey (lb) x Price per lb
Frequently asked questions
How much honey does one beehive produce per year?
Honey production varies widely by climate, forage availability, hive strength, and management. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reports that the average US colony produces approximately 55 to 70 lb (25 to 32 kg) of surplus honey per year. Strong hives in good forage areas can produce 100 to 150 lb or more. First-year colonies rarely produce surplus honey.
How do I estimate honey weight from super frames?
A standard deep Langstroth frame fully drawn and capped holds approximately 4.5 to 5 lb (2.0 to 2.3 kg) of honey. A medium super frame holds approximately 2.5 to 3.5 lb (1.1 to 1.6 kg). Honey weight depends on frame depth, how fully drawn and capped the comb is, and moisture content. Only extract frames that are at least 75% capped.
What moisture content should honey have before extracting?
Honey should be extracted when at least 75% of the cells are capped and the moisture content is at or below 18.6% (USDA Grade A standard). Honey with moisture above 18.6% is prone to fermentation. Use a refractometer to measure moisture content before extraction. USDA Grade A requires moisture of 18.6% or less.
How much honey should I leave for the bees in winter?
Leave at least 60 to 80 lb (27 to 36 kg) of honey stores for a colony to survive winter in cold climates (USDA recommendation). In mild climates, 40 to 60 lb may suffice. Never harvest all honey from a hive. The brood box frames should always remain with the bees; only harvest from honey super boxes.
How is honey priced at market?
Retail honey prices vary significantly by region, type, and certification. USDA Market News reports typical US retail prices from $6 to $12 per lb for conventional honey and $12 to $20+ per lb for raw, local, or specialty honey. Farmers market and direct sales typically command premium pricing over wholesale.
Sources
- USDA NASS: USDA NASS - Honey Report (annual).
- USDA AMS: USDA AMS - United States Standards for Grades of Extracted Honey.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.