Overwinter Feed Calculator
Estimate how much honey or syrup your hives need for winter based on climate zone, hive size, and current stores.
Going into winter with insufficient stores is one of the most common reasons colonies don't make it to spring. This calculator helps you estimate how much honey (or equivalent feed) your hives need based on your climate zone and current stores. Whether you're assessing your colonies in late summer or planning fall feeding, this tool gives you a target to work toward so you can make confident decisions about how much to feed.
Settings
Moderate winters: Target 45-55 lb (20-25 kg) for single brood, 60-70 lb for double. Some brood breaks but not extreme cold.
Your Hives
Current Stores
~8 lb per deep frame, ~6 lb per medium. Count frames that are ≥80% capped honey.
Feed Requirements
Target stores/hive
48.5 lb
≈ 6 deep or 8 medium frames
Current stores/hive
32 lb
Deficit per hive
16.5 lb
Total deficit (1 hive)
16.5 lb
Feed to Provide
Recommendations
Moderate deficit. Feed 2:1 syrup now while temperatures allow, then switch to fondant/candy when too cold for liquid feeding.
Assumptions & Notes
- These are rule-of-thumb estimates based on typical consumption rates.
- A full deep frame holds ~8 lb (3.6 kg), medium frame ~6 lb (2.7 kg) of honey.
- Actual needs vary with cluster size, winter length, and local conditions.
- Bees consume ~20-25% of sugar weight to convert syrup to stored honey.
- Feed 2:1 syrup in fall while temperatures allow (above 50°F / 10°C).
- Switch to fondant or candy boards once it's too cold for liquid feed.
- Monitor hive weight through winter and provide emergency feed if needed.
How Much Honey Bees Need for Winter
Winter food requirements vary dramatically based on where you keep bees. A colony in Minnesota faces 5-6 months of confinement and cold, while bees in Florida may fly year-round.
Cold Climate
60–90 lbs
27–41 kg per hive
Northern US, Canada, similar latitudes
Moderate Climate
40–60 lbs
18–27 kg per hive
Mid-Atlantic, Pacific NW, similar regions
Mild Climate
30–40 lbs
14–18 kg per hive
Southern US, coastal areas
Pro tip: These are conservative estimates. It's far better to leave extra stores than to lose a colony to starvation.
Using the Overwinter Feed Calculator
To get an accurate estimate, you'll need to know (or estimate) your current honey stores. The calculator accepts input in two ways:
By Frames
Count full or mostly-full deep frames of capped honey. A full deep frame holds about 6-8 lbs; we use a conservative 6 lbs per frame.
By Weight
If you have a hive scale or can heft your hives, enter the estimated weight of honey stores directly for more precision.
The calculator compares your current stores against the target for your climate zone and outputs the deficit, which is the amount you need to make up through feeding.
Assumptions and Limitations
This tool provides planning estimates, not guarantees. Actual winter consumption depends on factors the calculator can't know:
Cluster size
Larger clusters consume more food but survive cold better
Winter severity
An unusually long or cold winter increases consumption
Hive ventilation
Poor ventilation leads to moisture and stressed bees
Genetics
Some bee strains are more frugal than others
Common Overwinter Feeding Mistakes
Feeding too late
If you wait until October in a cold climate, bees may not have time to process and cap the syrup. Start assessing stores in August.
Using thin syrup in fall
1:1 syrup requires more energy to cure. Use heavy 2:1 syrup for fall feeding since it stores more efficiently.
Ignoring moisture
Feeding large amounts of liquid creates moisture. Ensure adequate ventilation and switch to fondant or candy once it's cold.
Assuming one feeding is enough
Check stores again in late winter or monitor hive weight. Colonies burn through stores faster when brood rearing resumes.
Harvesting too much
Leave enough for the bees first. Only harvest surplus above winter requirements, plus a 20% safety margin.
Tips for Winter Preparation
Assess stores in late summer. Don't wait until fall to realize you're short
Combine weak colonies rather than trying to winter them separately
Reduce entrances to help bees defend against robbing and cold drafts
Ensure your inner cover has a notch or hole for ventilation and emergency feeding
Consider using a hive scale to track weight loss. A sudden drop indicates a problem
Frequently Asked Questions
How much honey do bees need for winter?
It depends on your climate. In cold northern regions (zones 3-5), a colony typically needs 60-90 lbs (27-41 kg) of honey. Moderate climates need 40-60 lbs (18-27 kg), while mild southern areas may only require 30-40 lbs (14-18 kg). Always err on the side of more since starvation is the leading cause of winter colony loss.
Can my bees overwinter on syrup alone?
Bees can survive on sugar syrup stores, but it's not ideal. Honey contains micronutrients, enzymes, and properties that pure sugar lacks. Feed syrup to supplement insufficient honey stores, not as a complete replacement. If you must feed heavily, aim to do so early enough that bees can properly cure and cap the syrup.
When should I stop feeding for winter?
Stop feeding liquid syrup when nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 50°F (10°C). Bees become sluggish in cold weather and may not take liquid feed. After this point, switch to fondant, candy boards, or dry sugar if emergency feeding is needed.
How do I know if my hive has enough stores?
Heft the hive from the back. A well-stocked hive feels noticeably heavy. You can also inspect frames: a full deep frame holds about 6-8 lbs of honey. Count your capped honey frames and multiply. If you're unsure, a hive scale can give you precise weight readings throughout the season.
What's the difference between feeding syrup, fondant, and candy boards?
Syrup (2:1) is fed in fall while temperatures allow. Bees process and store it like nectar. Fondant and candy boards are solid sugar emergency feeds for winter when it's too cold for liquid. Fondant sits directly on the frames; candy boards fit under the inner cover. Both provide food without adding moisture to the hive.