Metric Langstroth Hive Dimensions

The Langstroth hive has near universal acceptance in New Zealand. When New Zealand adopted the metric system, phased in during the 1970s, the opportunity was taken to modify the existing dimensions to suit both the timber available and 'best practice'.

Also available on this site is a more scientific paper that describes the rationale for the values adopted in New Zealand.

Adopted Sizes for the Metric Langstroth Hive

All dimensions are in millimetres (mm).

Hive Body Timber Thickness

20 mm (derived from 25 mm green-sawn)

Hive Body Outer Measurements

505 mm x 405 mm

Hive Body Inner Measurements

465 mm x 365 mm

Hive Body Depth

Brood Chamber (full depth Langstroth)

238 mm (derived from 250 mm green-sawn)

Honey Super (three-quarter depth Langstroth)

185 mm (derived from 200 mm green-sawn)

Section Super (half depth Langstroth)

133 mm (derived from 150 mm green-sawn)

Rebate

Rebate Depth

13 mm

Rebate Ledge

10 mm

Frame Sizes

	Hoffman type	Manley type	Section holder
top bar
length	482	482	482
width	25	25	38
thickness	16	16	8
lug thickness	10	10	8
(at point of contact)
bottom bar
length	450	450	450^*
width	25	25	38
thickness	10	10	8
end bar
length	230	177	125
width	33	43	46
thickness	10	10	8

^* this length subject to further evaluation

Standard Section

Overall Length

428.6 mm

Width

46 mm

Thickness

3 mm

Folded Size

108 mm square

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