Sugar Syrup Calculator for Honey Bees

Calculate exact sugar and water amounts for 1:1, 2:1, or custom ratio bee syrup. Works in both metric and imperial units.

Choose your container size, pick a ratio, and get exact sugar and water measurements. Use 1:1 syrup for spring buildup, 2:1 for fall/winter stores.

Units

Weight unit

Volume unit

Mixing basis

Weight-based is more accurate.

Syrup Ratio

Sugar : Water ratio

1:1 is thinner syrup, commonly used in spring to stimulate brood production.

Container to Fill

Select container size

1 Gallon = 3785 mL

Recipe for 1 Gallon

Sugar needed

5.12 lb

Water needed

2322 mL

Output

Final syrup volume ~3785 mL

Ratio 1:1

Quick Reference

To fill 1 Gallon with 1:1 syrup:

Measure 2322 mL of water
Heat until warm (not boiling)
Add 5.12 lb of sugar
Stir until dissolved, let cool

Mixing Tips

Mixing Instructions:
1. Measure your water and heat until warm (not boiling) – about 120-140°F (50-60°C).
2. Slowly add sugar while stirring continuously.
3. Stir until all sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Allow to cool before feeding to bees.
5. Store unused syrup in a sealed container.

Note: 1:1 syrup is thinner, commonly used for spring feeding to stimulate brood production.

Always use clean, food-grade containers and ensure syrup is fully dissolved to prevent crystallization.

Assumptions & Notes

Final volume is approximate – sugar dissolves into water, reducing total volume.
Weight-based mixing is more precise than volume-based.
Always dissolve sugar completely to prevent crystallization.
Let syrup cool before feeding to bees.

When to Use 1:1 vs 2:1 Sugar Syrup

The ratio you choose depends on what you're trying to accomplish and the time of year.

1:1

Light Syrup

Equal parts sugar & water

Mimics nectar—ideal for stimulating brood production in spring when natural forage is scarce.

Best for:

Spring build-upDrawing combPackage beesSummer dearths

2:1

Heavy Syrup

Two parts sugar to one water

Closer to honey concentration—bees can store it with less effort. Use in late summer and fall to build winter stores.

Best for:

Fall feedingBuilding storesQuick storageLow moisture

Temperature note: Feed liquid syrup only when temps are above 50°F (10°C). Once nights get consistently cold, switch to fondant or candy boards.

How This Calculator Works

Enter your target container volume, select your preferred ratio, and get the exact amounts of sugar and water you need.

Weight-Based

More accurate. The ratio is by weight (e.g., 1 lb sugar to 1 lb water). Recommended for consistent results.

Volume-Based

More convenient for quick batches. Less precise due to how sugar compacts when scooped.

The calculator accounts for the fact that sugar dissolves into water rather than adding to it, so your final syrup volume is an approximation.

Common Mistakes When Mixing Bee Syrup

Using boiling water

High temperatures create hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which is toxic to bees. Use warm water (100-120°F) instead.

Not stirring enough

Undissolved sugar can ferment or settle at the bottom of your feeder. Stir until completely clear.

Storing syrup too long

Sugar syrup can mold or ferment within 1-2 weeks. Make smaller batches and use fresh syrup.

Feeding when it's too cold

Bees won't take liquid feed below 50°F (10°C). You'll end up with a cold, soggy feeder.

Using the wrong sugar

Stick to plain white granulated sugar. Organic, raw, or brown sugars contain compounds that cause dysentery.

Tips for Successful Feeding

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Feed in the evening to reduce robbing pressure from other colonies or wasps

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Use an entrance reducer during feeding to help bees defend the hive

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Match your feeder type to colony size—a weak colony can drown in a large open feeder

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Remove feeders promptly once natural forage resumes or before your honey flow

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Keep feeding records so you know how much each hive has consumed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown sugar or other sweeteners for bee syrup?

No. Use only white granulated cane or beet sugar for bee syrup. Brown sugar, molasses, and other sweeteners contain compounds that can cause dysentery in bees. Avoid organic or raw sugars as well, since they may contain impurities harmful to honey bees.

How long does sugar syrup last?

Sugar syrup can be stored for about 1-2 weeks in a cool, dark place. If you notice mold, fermentation (bubbles), or an off smell, discard it immediately. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar (about 1 tsp per gallon) may help prevent mold growth, but fresh syrup is always best.

How much syrup should I feed a weak hive?

A weak or hungry hive can consume 1-2 quarts of syrup per week. Start by providing 1 quart and monitor how quickly they take it. If they empty the feeder within 2-3 days, you can offer more. Avoid feeding more than the bees can process to prevent robbing and moisture problems.

Should I use hot or cold water to mix sugar syrup?

Use warm water (not boiling) to dissolve the sugar more easily. Boiling water can caramelize the sugar, creating hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) which is toxic to bees. Heat water to around 100-120°F (38-49°C), add sugar, and stir until completely dissolved. Let it cool before feeding.

What's the difference between weight-based and volume-based mixing?

Weight-based mixing is more accurate because sugar compacts differently depending on how it's scooped. When measuring by weight, 1:1 means equal weights (1 lb sugar to 1 lb water). Volume-based is more convenient but less precise—a cup of sugar weighs about 7 oz, while a cup of water weighs about 8 oz.