Chainsaw Chain Size Guide β Find the Right Chain by Bar Length
Chainsaw Chain Size Guide β Find the Right Chain by Bar Length
Picking a chainsaw chain by bar length alone is the number one reason people order the wrong one. Bar length is only the starting point β the chain that actually fits is decided by pitch, gauge, and drive-link count. This guide shows you how those work, and links to a detailed page for every common bar length. Every chain we sell is backed by our Guaranteed Fit promise, checked against your bar stamp before it ships.
Find Your Exact Chain β Two Ways
Skip the guesswork. Use whichever finder matches what you know:
Search by Bar Stamp Most accurate
Read the pitch, gauge and drive-link count off the side of your guide bar, enter them, and we'll show you the exact chain that fits. No guessing.
Search by Chainsaw
Only know your saw's make and model β like "Stihl MS 250" or "Husqvarna 455"? Enter it and we'll match the right chain for you.
Not sure either way? Send a photo of your bar stamp through the chat bubble and our team will confirm your exact chain before you order β our Guaranteed Fit promise.
Chainsaw Chain Sizes by Bar Length
Find your bar length below for the typical drive-link range and the specific things to watch at that size. Tap any length for the full guide and to find your exact chain.
| Bar length | Drive links | Pitch | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14" chains | 50β56 | 3/8" LP mostly | Homeowner & battery saws |
| 16" chains | 55β66 | 3/8" LP, .325", 3/8" | The everyday size β MS 250 class |
| 18" chains | 62β74 | All three pitches | Widest spread β hardest to buy |
| 20" chains | 72β81 | .325" or 3/8" | The .325"-vs-3/8" split |
| 22" chains | 76 | 3/8" | Gauge is the variable |
| 24" chains | 84 | 3/8" | Big-bore / firewood |
| 25" chains | 84 | 3/8" | Stihl's name for a 24" bar |
| 28" chains | 91 (Stihl) / 93 (Husqvarna) | 3/8" | Link count splits by brand |
The Three Numbers That Actually Decide Your Chain
Whatever your bar length, the same three measurements determine which chain fits. Get all three right and the chain runs true; get one wrong and it either won't fit or it'll run loose and wear fast.
- Pitch β the distance between drive links, measured as the gap between any three rivets divided by two. Common pitches are 3/8" low-profile (small and battery saws), .325" (mid-size), and full 3/8" (professional saws). Pitch has to match your saw's drive sprocket exactly.
- Gauge β the thickness of the drive links, where they sit in the bar groove: .043", .050", .058" or .063". It has to match your bar's groove width. Note that in Australia, many Stihl saws run .063" where other markets use .050".
- Drive-link count (DL) β the number of drive links in the loop. This is set by both the bar length and the saw's sprocket/nose, which is why the same bar length can take different counts. It's the number most people miss.
How to Read Your Bar Stamp
All three numbers are usually stamped into the flat of your guide bar, near where it bolts to the saw. If the stamp is worn, count the drive links on your old chain and use the Search by Chainsaw tool, or send a photo through the chat and we'll identify it. A two-minute check saves ordering the wrong chain.
Chainsaw Chain Sizing β Common Questions
How do I know what size chainsaw chain I need?
You need three things: pitch, gauge, and drive-link count. All three are usually stamped on your guide bar, or you can count the drive links on your existing chain and confirm your saw model. Bar length alone isn't enough, because the same length can take different chains.
Can I choose a chainsaw chain by bar length alone?
No. Bar length narrows it down but doesn't identify the chain β a single bar length can span different pitches, gauges and drive-link counts depending on the saw. Always confirm the full specification from your bar stamp or saw model.
What are pitch, gauge and drive links?
Pitch is the spacing between drive links, gauge is their thickness where they sit in the bar groove, and the drive-link count is how many are in the loop. Together these three define a chain; all three must match your saw and bar.
Why do Australian Stihl chains often use a different gauge?
Many Stihl saws sold in Australia run a .063" gauge where the same model in other markets uses .050". It's a common source of wrong-chain orders, so it's always worth confirming your gauge from the bar stamp rather than an overseas chart.
What if I order the wrong chain?
You're covered by our Guaranteed Fit promise β send a photo of your bar stamp before we ship and we'll confirm the fit, and if a verified chain we send doesn't fit your saw, we'll replace it with the correct one free of charge.
Β