Chainsaw Chain Size Guide — Every Saw, Every Brand

Q: What do the three numbers on a chainsaw chain mean?

Pitch is the chain's size class (e.g. 3/8 inch or .325 inch), gauge is drive-link thickness (e.g. .050 inch / 1.3mm), and drive-link count varies with bar length. All three must match your saw and bar.

Q: Can I change my chainsaw chain's pitch?

Not on its own. Pitch is matched to your sprocket and bar, so changing pitch means changing all three. That's a driveline rebuild, not a chain purchase.

Q: Are longer chainsaw chains better for hardwood?

Chain length (drive-link count) is set by your bar; it's a fitment number, not a performance choice. For hardwood performance, the choice that matters is cutter profile.

Every chainsaw chain is defined by three numbers: pitch (the size class of the chain), gauge (the thickness of the drive links that ride in your bar groove), and drive link count (which varies with bar length). Match all three and the chain fits. Miss any one and it doesn't — there's no such thing as a universal chain.

The fastest way to find yours: check the stamps on your guide bar, usually near the mounting bolts — most bars have pitch, gauge and DL count stamped right there. Or pick your brand below to see every model we fit. If the stamps have worn off or the numbers don't add up, send a photo of your bar to our team in the chat bubble and we'll confirm it under our Guaranteed Fit system.

Search by Bar Stamp → Search by Chainsaw →

Find Your Chain by Brand

Choose your chainsaw brand for the full size chart — every model we fit, with its exact pitch, gauge and bar sizes.

Stihl 74 models Husqvarna 54 models Makita / Dolmar 18 models Echo 18 models Baumr-AG 9 models Ozito 7 models Ryobi 7 models EGO 5 models DeWalt 3 models

Don't see your brand, or your model isn't listed? We probably still fit it. Send a photo of your bar stamp through the chat bubble and our team will confirm your exact chain before you order — our Guaranteed Fit promise. You can also post your saw on the Alpine Chain Co. Community Forum and we'll chase down the spec.

Prefer to shop by bar length? If you already know your bar size, our Chainsaw Chain by Bar Length guide lists the right chains for every bar from 14" to 28".

Switching brands, or cross-shopping? Our Chain Size Cross-Reference maps every Alpine size to its Stihl, Husqvarna and Oregon equivalent, so you can match your old chain to ours with confidence.

Decoding a chain you already have? Stamps on the chain itself work differently from bar stamps — our chain identification guide covers reading the markings on an existing chain.

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:

Pitch — the chain's size class (e.g. 3/8" LP, .325", 3/8"). Must match your drive sprocket.
Gauge — the drive-link thickness (e.g. .043", .050", .058", .063"). Must match your bar groove. Note many saws sold in Australia — Stihl especially — run a different gauge from overseas specs, so always confirm.
Drive link count — the loop count, set by bar length and sprocket. Count them on your old chain if the stamp is worn.

New to measuring? Our step-by-step how to measure a chainsaw chain guide walks through pitch, gauge and drive-link count in detail.

Disclaimer: These chain sizes are specified for unmodified saws with original driveline setup from factory. Modified saws with different bar or sprocket configurations will not suit the recommended chain.

Chainsaw Chain Sizing — FAQ

What do the three numbers on a chainsaw chain mean? Pitch (the chain's size class, e.g. 3/8" or .325"), gauge (drive link thickness, e.g. .050"/1.3mm), and drive link count (varies with bar length). All three must match your saw and bar.

How do I find my chain size without the old chain? Check the stamps on the side of your guide bar near the mounting bolts — most bars carry all three numbers. If they've worn off, look up your saw model in the brand chart above for the factory spec, or send us a bar stamp photo via the chat bubble for a Guaranteed Fit check.

Can I run a different gauge chain on my bar? No. Too thick won't seat in the groove; too thin lets the chain lean, which cuts in curves and ruins the bar. Gauge must match exactly.

Can I change my chain's pitch? Not on its own — pitch is matched to your sprocket and bar, so changing pitch means changing all three. That's a driveline rebuild, not a chain purchase.

Are longer chains better for hardwood? Chain length (drive link count) is set by your bar — it's a fitment number, not a performance choice. For hardwood performance, the choice that matters is cutter profile: see our best chainsaw chain for Australian hardwood guide.