Feeding · Free to use · No account needed
Sugar syrup calculator
Choose a ratio and batch size. See how much sugar and water to weigh, and how much syrup each hive would receive.
Your measurements
All ratios are by weight.
Results update as you edit. Decimal points and commas are accepted.
Your result
Your recipe
2 : 1Sugar : water- Sugar to weigh
- 4 kg
- Water to weigh
- 2 kg
66.7% sugar by weight
- Total syrup
- 6 kg
- Syrup per hive
- 1.2 kg
Equal split for planning, not a feeding recommendation.
How it works
Weigh both ingredients.
Ratios mean sugar : water by weight. A 2:1 mix contains two parts sugar for every one part water. For a 6 kg batch, weigh 4 kg of sugar and 2 kg of water. Ingredient weights add up to batch weight; this does not calculate finished syrup volume.
Further guidance: Alabama Extension · Supplemental Feeding for Honey Bees
Useful to know
Is 1:1 measured by weight or volume?
This calculator always uses weight. A 1:1 batch contains equal weights of sugar and water. Cups of sugar and water do not weigh the same; use scales for both ingredients.
Which ratio should I choose?
1:1 is a lighter syrup; 2:1 is a more concentrated syrup. Choose a recipe appropriate to your colonies, weather and local feeding guidance. The calculator works out a recipe, not how much food a colony needs. Avoid feeding syrup while collecting honey for harvest.
Can I start with the sugar I already have?
Yes. Select Sugar available and enter its weight. The result gives the water to add and the total batch weight. The per-hive figure simply divides that batch equally between the number of hives you enter.