A chainsaw chain must match your saw on three specifications: pitch, gauge, and drive link count. Get any one wrong and the chain won’t fit — or worse, it could jam, snap, or cause dangerous kickback. This reference chart covers all three specs and shows which combinations work for every major bar length.
What Three Specs Must Match
| Specification | What It Is | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | Distance between chain teeth, measured in inches | Wrong pitch = chain won’t fit the bar’s tooth spacing |
| Gauge | Thickness of the drive links (the parts that slide into your bar’s groove) | Wrong gauge = chain is too thick or too thin for the bar groove |
| Drive link count | Total number of links in the chain | Wrong count = chain is too long or too short for the bar |
All three must be correct for safe, reliable operation.
Chainsaw Chain Pitch Sizes
Pitch is the distance between the center points of consecutive teeth. It’s the most obvious spec — look on the side of your bar or chain.
| Pitch | Metric | Saw Size / Type | Typical Uses | Best Brands |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4″ | 6.35mm | Pole saws, mini chainsaws (under 20cc) | Light pruning, small branches, overhead work | Makita, DeWalt (small battery models) |
| 3/8″ LP (Low Profile) | 9.32mm | Battery saws, entry-level petrol (25–50cc) | General-purpose cutting, residential use | Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Stihl MS170–MS211, Husqvarna 135–245 |
| .325″ | 8.25mm | Mid-range petrol (40–60cc) | Professional domestic, felling small timber | Stihl MS250–MS261, Husqvarna 445–455, most professional brands |
| 3/8″ (Full Profile) | 9.32mm | Professional petrol (60cc+) | Heavy commercial, arboriculture, milling | Stihl MS362–MS661, Husqvarna 550+, professional-only models |
| .404″ | 10.26mm | Large professional saws (75cc+) | Milling, bucking, large-scale felling | Specialist brands only; rare in the UK market |
Critical distinction: 3/8″ LP (low-profile) and 3/8″ (full-profile) have the same pitch measurement (9.32mm) but are completely different chains. A 3/8″ LP chain will not fit in a bar designed for full 3/8″, and vice versa. The bar groove depth is different.
Chainsaw Chain Gauge Sizes
Gauge is the thickness of the drive links that slot into your bar’s groove. Too thick and the chain won’t fit; too thin and it will rattle or fall off.
| Gauge (Inches) | Gauge (Millimetres) | Saw Type | Typical Bars |
|---|---|---|---|
| .043″ | 1.1mm | Battery saws, mini chainsaws | Most battery saw bars (Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee) |
| .050″ | 1.3mm | Standard petrol and battery saws | Most standard petrol saw bars (Stihl, Husqvarna, general purpose) |
| .058″ | 1.5mm | Professional-grade saws | Professional bars, heavy-duty chainsaws |
| .063″ | 1.6mm | Heavy-duty professional and milling saws | Specialist professional bars only |
Check your bar’s groove with a feeler gauge or calipers if you’re unsure. Most residential and semi-professional saws use .050″ gauge.
Drive Link Count by Bar Length and Chain Pitch
This is the table you’ll reference most often. Find your bar length and pitch combination to determine how many drive links your chain needs.
| Bar Length | 1/4″ Pitch | 3/8″ LP .043″ | 3/8″ LP .050″ | .325″ .050″ | 3/8″ Full .050″ | 3/8″ Full .058″ | .404″ .063″ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8″ | 26–28 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 10″ | — | 36–40 | 36–40 | — | — | — | — |
| 12″ | — | 44–45 | 44–45 | 44–48 | — | — | — |
| 14″ | — | 52 | 52 | 52–56 | 60–66 | — | — |
| 16″ | — | 55–56 | 55–56 | 62–67 | 67–74 | 60–66 | — |
| 18″ | — | 62–66 | 62–66 | 68–74 | 74–81 | 68–74 | — |
| 20″ | — | 70–72 | 70–72 | 76–80 | 81–91 | 72–81 | 91 |
| 24″ | — | — | — | — | — | 84–91 | 105 |
| 28″ | — | — | — | — | — | 100–106 | — |
How to use this table: Find your bar length in the left column. Move right to the column that matches your chain pitch and gauge. The number shown is your drive link count.
Example: You have a Stihl MS250 with a 16″ bar. Stihl MS250 uses 3/8″ LP .050″ pitch. Look at “16” bar length” and “3/8″ LP .050″” column: you need 55–56 drive links.
Note: Ranges exist because manufacturers use slightly different bar lengths. If you have a choice between two numbers in a range (e.g., 55–56), go with the exact count on your old chain. The chain will be slightly tighter or looser, but both are safe.
How to Find Your Chain Size
If you’ve lost your manual or the bar marking has worn away, here’s how to identify your chain size:
Step 1: Find the Pitch
- Look at the side of your bar or the chain itself
- You should see a marking like “3/8”, “.325”, “1/4”, or “.404”
- This is your pitch — it’s the most important spec
- If you can’t find it marked, your chainsaw manual will list it (look up your exact model online)
Step 2: Measure the Bar Length
- Place a ruler or measuring tape along the top of the bar, from the base to the tip
- Write down the length to the nearest inch
- Common lengths: 12″, 14″, 16″, 18″, 20″
Step 3: Count the Drive Links on Your Old Chain
- Remove the old chain (or lay it out flat)
- Count each individual link until you reach the end (you may need to count twice to be sure)
- Drive links are the parts that insert into the bar groove; they’re usually a different colour from the teeth
Step 4: Cross-Reference the Chart
- Use the drive link count by bar length table above
- Find your bar length and pitch to confirm your drive link count
- Order a replacement chain with matching pitch, gauge, and drive link count
For detailed measurement instructions with photos, see our full guide: How to Measure a Chainsaw Chain
Common Chainsaw Chain Size Combinations
These are the most popular specs you’ll encounter in the UK market:
| Common Spec | Pitch + Gauge | Typical Saws | Drive Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery saw standard | 3/8″ LP .043″–.050″ | Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi (all 18–20V models) | 36–56 |
| Small petrol standard | 3/8″ LP .050″ | Stihl MS170–MS211, Husqvarna 135–245, entry-level brands | 44–56 |
| Mid-range petrol (Stihl) | .325″ .050″ | Stihl MS250–MS261 | 72–78 |
| Mid-range petrol (Husqvarna) | .325″ .050″ | Husqvarna 445–455 | 72–78 |
| Professional Stihl | 3/8″ Full .050″ | Stihl MS362–MS500i | 84–91 |
| Professional Stihl (large) | 3/8″ Full .058″–.063″ | Stihl MS661 | 91–106 |
| Professional Husqvarna | 3/8″ Full .050″ | Husqvarna 550–555–560 | 84–91 |
Gauge Identification (If Marked on Your Bar)
Your bar may have a marking that indicates gauge. Common markings:
- .043″ or 1.1mm — battery saw and mini chainsaw bars
- .050″ or 1.3mm — standard petrol bars (most common)
- .058″ or 1.5mm — professional bars
- .063″ or 1.6mm — heavy-duty professional and milling bars
If you can’t find a gauge marking, measure the groove depth with calipers (take the measurement at the base of the groove, where the chain sits) or contact the bar manufacturer with your model number.
Pitch, Gauge & Drive Link Relationship
Here’s the relationship that governs all three specs:
- Pitch determines the bar nose sprocket size and tooth spacing — these are fixed on your saw
- Gauge determines the bar groove width — this is also fixed
- Drive link count determines total chain length; this varies by bar length
Manufacturers build bars with a specific pitch and gauge. You can’t change them. You can only change the drive link count when you get a longer or shorter bar. Always verify all three specs before buying.
What Happens If You Get the Specs Wrong
| Wrong Spec | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Wrong pitch | Chain won’t engage with bar nose sprocket. It will either rattle or refuse to move at all. |
| Wrong gauge | Chain is too thick for the groove (won’t fit) or too thin (will rattle and fall off mid-cut, causing safety hazard). |
| Too few drive links | Chain is too short. It won’t reach around the bar and will break under tension or jam. |
| Too many drive links | Chain is too long. It will sag, hit the bar body, and snap or jam. Dangerous kickback risk. |
Never force a chain onto a bar. If it doesn’t fit smoothly, stop and recheck all three specs.
Watch: Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t find my exact drive link count in the chart?
Bar lengths vary slightly between manufacturers. A 16″ bar from Stihl might need 55 links, while a 16″ bar from Husqvarna might need 56. If your bar is close to a listed length (e.g., between 14″ and 16″), count the drive links on your old chain and order a chain with the same count. Never guess.
Is the bar length always printed on the bar?
Not always. If it’s worn away, measure from the base of the bar to the tip with a ruler. The measurement you take should match one of the standard bar lengths (10″, 12″, 14″, 16″, 18″, 20″, 24″, 28″).
Can I put a .325″ pitch chain on a 3/8″ saw?
No. The nose sprocket won’t engage with the chain, and the chain will rattle or fail to move. Pitch must match exactly.
What’s the difference between 3/8″ LP and 3/8″ full-profile?
Same pitch measurement (9.32mm), but different tooth heights and bar groove depths. A 3/8″ LP chain has shorter teeth and fits in a shallower groove. A full 3/8″ chain has taller teeth and needs a deeper groove. They are not interchangeable.
My bar is marked “.050” — is that the pitch or gauge?
.050″ is gauge (drive link thickness), not pitch. Look elsewhere on the bar or your manual for the pitch marking (should be 3/8″, .325″, 1/4″, or .404″).
How tight should my chain be?
At the midpoint of the bar, you should barely be able to pull the chain away from the bar with your fingers (approximately 1/8″ pull). Too tight and the chain will bind and snap; too loose and it will rattle and fall off. Check tension before every use.
Do Oregon, Stihl, and Husqvarna chains use the same sizing system?
Yes. All chainsaw manufacturers use the same pitch, gauge, and drive link count standards. A 3/8″ LP .050″ chain with 56 drive links will fit any brand’s 3/8″ LP .050″ 16″ bar, whether it’s Oregon, Stihl, Husqvarna, Makita, or DeWalt.
