Chainsaw chain pitch is the distance between the drive links on a chain, measured as the span across any three consecutive rivets divided by two. It's expressed in inches, and there are five common pitches: 1/4", 3/8" low profile, .325", 3/8" standard, and .404". Pitch has to match your saw's drive sprocket exactly — it isn't adjustable, and it isn't interchangeable without changing the bar and sprocket too.
Pitch is one of three numbers that define a chainsaw chain, alongside gauge and drive-link count. Get pitch wrong and the chain physically won't mesh with the sprocket. Here's how to identify yours.
How to Measure Chain Pitch
You don't need special tools. Take a ruler or tape and:
- Find any three consecutive rivets on the chain — the small round pins holding the links together.
- Measure from the centre of the first rivet to the centre of the third.
- Divide that number by two. The result is your pitch.
So if three rivets span 3/4 of an inch, your pitch is 3/8". If they span 5/8", you're on .325". The halving step is what catches people out — measure two rivets instead of three and you'll get a number that matches nothing.
The Five Common Pitches
| Pitch | Also Called | Typical Saws | File Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 1/4" P, Picco | Pole pruners, carving saws, small battery saws | 3.2mm (1/8") |
| 3/8" LP | 3/8" Picco, 3/8" Low Profile, 3/8P | Homeowner and battery saws under ~45cc | 4.0mm (5/32") |
| .325" | — | Mid-range farm and firewood saws, 40–60cc | 4.8mm (3/16") |
| 3/8" | 3/8" standard, 3/8" full | Professional felling saws, 60cc+ | 5.2mm (13/64") |
| .404" | — | Harvesters, large-bore saws, milling | 5.5mm (7/32") |
The 3/8" Trap: LP Is Not Standard
This is the single most common pitch confusion, and it's worth understanding properly.
3/8" low profile and 3/8" standard share the same pitch measurement — the rivet spacing really is the same. But they are not the same chain and they are not interchangeable.
The difference is the chassis: 3/8" LP has shorter cutters, smaller drive links and a lighter build, designed so a small engine can pull it. 3/8" standard has taller cutters and heavy-duty drive links built for professional torque.
- Standard chain on a small saw: the engine lacks the torque to pull the heavier steel. You'll bog and burn the clutch.
- LP chain on a big saw: genuinely dangerous. A 70cc saw can snap the lighter chassis.
If your bar says Picco, LP or Low Pro, you need low profile. (Full detail in our 3/8" LP vs 3/8" standard guide.)
Where to Find Your Pitch Without Measuring
Three places, easiest first:
- The guide bar. Most bars are stamped with pitch, gauge and drive-link count near the mounting slot.
- The drive link stamp. Chain manufacturers stamp a code on the drive links. Our chain identification chart decodes Stihl, Oregon, Carlton and Husqvarna systems.
- Your saw model. Enter it into Search by Chainsaw and we'll return the full specification.
Pitch Is Only One of Three Numbers
Pitch tells you the chain's size class. It doesn't tell you the whole chain. You also need:
- Gauge — the drive-link thickness, which must match your bar groove
- Drive-link count — how many links in the loop, set by bar length and sprocket
All three have to match. (Our how to measure a chainsaw chain guide walks through measuring all three.)
Chainsaw Chain Pitch — FAQ
What is chainsaw chain pitch?
The distance between drive links on the chain, calculated by measuring across three consecutive rivets and dividing by two. It determines which drive sprocket the chain will mesh with.
How do I measure chainsaw chain pitch?
Measure from the centre of one rivet to the centre of the third rivet along, then divide that measurement by two. Three rivets spanning 3/4" means a 3/8" pitch.
What are the common chainsaw chain pitches?
Five: 1/4", 3/8" low profile, .325", 3/8" standard, and .404". Most homeowner and battery saws run 3/8" LP; mid-range farm saws run .325"; professional saws run 3/8" standard.
Is 3/8 LP the same as 3/8 pitch?
The pitch measurement is the same, but the chains are not interchangeable. Low profile has a lighter chassis with shorter cutters for small engines; standard 3/8" is built for professional torque. Fitting the wrong one either bogs a small saw or can snap the chain on a large one.
Can I change my chainsaw's pitch?
Not by swapping the chain alone. Pitch is set by your drive sprocket, so changing it means replacing the sprocket and usually the bar as well — a job for a dealer, not a weekend adjustment.
What happens if I fit the wrong pitch chain?
The chain won't mesh with the drive sprocket. It will either refuse to seat, or ride up on the sprocket teeth and jump off under load, which is a serious safety hazard.
Where is the pitch marked on my chainsaw?
Usually stamped on the guide bar near the mounting slot, alongside the gauge and drive-link count. It may also be encoded in the stamp on the chain's drive links.
What file size matches my chain pitch?
3.2mm for 1/4", 4.0mm for 3/8" LP, 4.8mm for .325", 5.2mm for 3/8" standard, and 5.5mm for .404". Using the wrong diameter creates a hook or a backslope on the cutter.
Know your pitch? Find your chain
Enter your pitch, gauge and drive-link count — or just your saw model. Every chain is checked against your bar stamp before it ships, backed by our Guaranteed Fit promise.