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Equal parts sugar and water by weight — stimulates brood rearing and comb building. Mimics thin nectar consistency.
1:1 by weight: 1 lb sugar + 1 lb water = ~1.5 pints syrupTwo parts sugar to one part water by weight — higher concentration for winter storage with less processing by bees.
2:1 by weight: 2 lb sugar + 1 lb water = ~1.5 pints syrupVolume ratios differ from weight ratios because sugar density ≠ water. 1:1 by volume uses more sugar than 1:1 by weight. Beekeeping references typically mean by weight.
Use weight (lb or kg) for accurate ratios, not cup volumeUpdated: July 2026
5 gallons ≈ 40 lb syrup at 1:1 = 20 lb sugar + 20 lb water (~9 kg each). Heat water, dissolve sugar, cool before feeding.
Target 10 lb stored syrup: 2:1 ratio = 6.7 lb sugar + 3.3 lb water. Feed until bees stop taking it or reach winter weight target.
If syrup cannot be processed (cold weather), dry sugar or fondant on inner cover. Calculator syrup amounts do not apply — bees cannot cure syrup below ~50°F effectively.
Heavy syrup in spring can clog brood nest and does not stimulate laying as effectively as thin 1:1. Match syrup ratio to seasonal goal.
Heat only enough to dissolve sugar. Caramelized sugar (HMF formation) is toxic to bees. Heat water, remove from heat, then stir in sugar.
Beekeepers feed sugar syrup to supplement natural nectar during dearth or winter preparation. This calculator computes precise sugar and water weights for 1:1 (spring) and 2:1 (fall) syrup ratios by volume or weight.