FEEDING & WINTER · FREE CALCULATOR
Set the winter-store target appropriate for your climate and management, enter the stores you estimate are already present, and calculate the apiary-wide deficit. Then size a syrup batch without pretending syrup fed converts pound-for-pound into stored honey.
Calculator + methodology reviewed September 11, 2026.
WINTER PREP & FEEDING
Compare estimated stores with a target, then size a feed batch separately. This avoids assuming every pound fed becomes a pound of stored winter food.
Estimated store deficit
Your target store weight is a planning choice and varies by climate, colony size, equipment, and winter length. Feed delivered is not the same as stores gained; colonies consume feed and remove water.
FALL PLANNING
Winter requirements vary with climate, hive configuration, colony size, and local conditions. Rather than hard-coding one magic number, this tool asks you to choose the target stores per colony and compares it with your estimate of current stores.
Utah State University Extension describes 80–100 lb of capped honey in its regional winter guidance, while Alabama Cooperative Extension discusses about 60 lb. The difference is exactly why local advice should override a universal web default.
The calculator keeps the store deficit separate from the syrup batch. Bees consume feed and remove water while processing it, so 20 lb of syrup fed should not be presented as 20 lb of winter stores added.
After calculating the store gap, enter the finished syrup weight you plan to make and choose 1:1, 3:2, or 2:1. The tool breaks that batch into sugar and water without claiming it will close the exact winter-store deficit.
There is no universal number. Use local extension or experienced local-club guidance, then enter that target.
Yes. The calculator multiplies the per-colony gap across the colony count you enter.
No. The site deliberately reports the deficit and feed batch as separate quantities.
Utah State University Extension — Annual Beekeeping Calendar · Alabama Cooperative Extension — Supplemental Feeding for Honey Bees. Last reviewed September 11, 2026.