What is a realistic yield per hive?
It varies more than any other number in beekeeping: forage, weather, colony strength, mites and how much you leave for winter all matter. Two published figures give a sense of scale.
The USDA figure is a national average from beekeepers with five or more colonies, and USDA notes it may be understated. The Mississippi State number is a planning assumption for a commercial-scale budget, not a promise for a backyard hive. A new colony that is drawing comb from foundation often produces little or no surplus in its first year.
Pounds to jars
Honey jars are sold by the weight of honey they hold, not fluid ounces. A “1 lb” queenline jar holds 16 ounces of honey by weight, and a 12 oz bear holds three-quarters of a pound. The calculator rounds down to whole jars.
| Jar | Honey per jar | Jars per 50 lb |
|---|---|---|
| 8 oz | 0.5 lb | 100 |
| 12 oz bear | 0.75 lb | 66 |
| 16 oz (1 lb) | 1 lb | 50 |
| 32 oz (2 lb) | 2 lb | 25 |
| 48 oz (3 lb) | 3 lb | 16 |
Costs to include
- Jars, lids and labels (enter as cost per jar).
- Bee-health products, feed and replacement frames for the year.
- Market booth fees, permits or a license if your state or county requires one.
- Your time, which this calculator does not count.
Selling honey brings labeling rules and, in some states, registration or cottage-food limits. Check the FDA honey labeling guidance and your state’s rules before your first sale.