Fitting the wrong chain to your chainsaw is one of the quickest ways to damage the saw, dull the chain, or worse — cause a safety issue. Chain compatibility is determined by three critical specifications: pitch, gauge, and drive link count. Get any one of these wrong and the chain simply won’t fit or won’t run safely.
This guide covers everything you need to know about matching chains to bars across all the major brands — Stihl, Husqvarna, Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and aftermarket suppliers like Oregon. Whether you’re replacing a worn chain, upgrading to a different bar length, or switching brands, you’ll find the specs you need.
Quick Reference: The Three Specs You Need
Before you buy a replacement chain, you need to know these three numbers from your current chain or bar:
| Specification | What It Means | Common Sizes | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pitch | Distance between three consecutive chain rivets, divided by two. Measured in inches. | 1/4″, 3/8 LP, .325″, 3/8″, .404″ | Stamped on the chain itself or bar packaging |
| Gauge | Thickness of the drive links (the parts that slot into the bar groove). Measured in inches or millimetres. | .043″, .050″, .058″, .063″ | Stamped on the bar or chain. Check bar documentation. |
| Drive Link Count | Total number of drive links on the complete loop. Depends on bar length. | 52, 55, 56, 64, 67, 72, 74, 78, 81 DL | Printed on chain packaging or the chain loop itself |
All three specs must match. A 3/8″ chain won’t fit a bar designed for .325″ pitch, no matter how many drive links you have. Similarly, a chain with the correct pitch and gauge but the wrong drive link count either won’t loop around the bar or will run too tight.
Understanding Chain Pitch
Pitch is arguably the most important specification because it determines which bars your saw can accept. The five standard pitches are:
1/4″ Pitch (Quarter-Inch)
The smallest and lightest pitch. Used on small battery chainsaws (12″ bars typically) and some budget petrol saws. Stihl’s PICCO system uses 1/4″ on the MSA 120, MSA 140, and MSA 160. These chains turn slowly but have less vibration and are easier to control. They’re also quieter and more fuel-efficient than larger pitches.
3/8 LP Pitch (Low Profile)
This is the most popular pitch for modern cordless and small petrol chainsaws. The “LP” designation means “low profile” — it’s a reduced-kickback design that runs at slower speeds than full 3/8″. You’ll find 3/8 LP on:
- Makita UC4030A and other cordless models
- DeWalt DCS300P1 and DCS334 (all DeWalt cordless)
- Milwaukee M18 (cordless)
- Stihl MS170, MS180 (small petrol)
- Husqvarna 135, 235 (small petrol) and 120i, 340i (cordless)
Important: 3/8 LP is NOT the same as full 3/8″. Bars designed for 3/8 LP will not accept full 3/8″ chains. The chains run at different speeds and may not fit the bar groove correctly.
.325″ Pitch
A mid-sized pitch used on many mid-range petrol and some cordless models. Common on Stihl MS250, MS261, Husqvarna 345, 440, 445, 450 and larger models. Also appears on Husqvarna 540i XP (cordless) and older DeWalt models. Offers a balance between speed and control.
3/8″ Pitch (Full Profile)
Full-sized, professional-grade pitch for larger, more powerful saws. Used on Stihl MS362, MS660 and Husqvarna 460 and larger models. These chains run faster and are designed for sustained heavy-duty use. Full 3/8″ is distinct from 3/8 LP and cannot be used interchangeably.
.404″ Pitch
The largest pitch, rarely seen outside of professional-grade and high-powered models. Some older Stihl models used .404″, but it’s becoming less common. These chains are extremely fast-cutting but less stable than smaller pitches, so they’re reserved for very powerful saws (52cc+).
Understanding Chain Gauge
Gauge (also called kerf or thickness) is the thickness of the drive links. The bar has a groove, and the drive links must fit snugly in that groove without rattling.
Common gauges are:
- .043″ — Narrow kerf. Common on cordless models (Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee). Reduces drag and extends runtime. Used on 1/4″, 3/8 LP, and some .325″ chains.
- .050″ — Standard gauge. Found on most mid-range petrol saws and some cordless models (Husqvarna 540i XP, Stihl MSA 220). Good balance of durability and efficiency.
- .058″ — Heavy-duty gauge. Less common. Used on some professional saws where maximum durability matters more than speed.
- .063″ — Full-size gauge. Used on large, powerful petrol saws like Stihl MS362, MS660 and Husqvarna 440, 450, 460 series.
Always check your bar documentation for the exact gauge. A .043″ chain won’t fit a bar grooved for .050″, and vice versa.
Understanding Drive Link Count
The drive link count (DL) is simply the total number of drive links in the complete chain loop. Longer bars require more drive links. The relationship is straightforward: a 12″ bar typically needs 45–52 drive links, a 16″ bar needs 55–67 links, and a 20″ bar needs 76–81 links.
However, different bar manufacturers use slightly different ratios. A 16″ Stihl bar might require 55 DL, while a 16″ Oregon bar requires 56 or 57 DL. Always check the exact spec on your bar or in your manual.
If you buy a chain with too few drive links, it won’t loop around the bar. Too many, and it will run too tight, drag, and potentially snap. This is why it’s critical to check the packaging or your manual before purchasing.
Low Profile vs Full Profile: A Critical Distinction
One of the most common mistakes is confusing 3/8 LP (low profile) with full 3/8″ chains. They look similar, but they’re designed differently and are NOT interchangeable.
| Feature | 3/8 LP (Low Profile) | 3/8″ (Full Profile) |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch Measurement | Same as full 3/8″ but run on reduced-speed sprockets | Full-speed 3/8″ pitched chain |
| Rotation Speed | Slower (reduced-kickback design) | Faster (full-power design) |
| Common Applications | Cordless saws, small petrol models, learner saws | Mid-to-large professional petrol saws |
| Interchangeable? | NO — requires correct sprocket and bar | NO — not compatible with 3/8 LP equipment |
If you put a full 3/8″ chain on a saw designed for 3/8 LP, the sprockets won’t match and the chain may slip, jump teeth, or snap. Always verify the exact pitch designation on your saw or bar before ordering a replacement chain.
Chain Compatibility by Brand
Each manufacturer uses different chain systems, though most have standardised on common pitches and gauges. Here’s a quick overview:
| Brand | Primary System(s) | Aftermarket Options | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl | PICCO (1/4″) on battery, 3/8 LP on small, .325″ and 3/8″ on large petrol | Oregon, SPARES2GO chains widely available | Stihl Chainsaw Chain Compatibility Guide |
| Husqvarna | 3/8 LP on small petrol and battery, .325″ and 3/8″ on large petrol, X-PRECISION on 540i XP | Oregon chains excellent fit. Many aftermarket options available. | Husqvarna Chainsaw Chain Compatibility Guide |
| Makita | 3/8 LP .043″ on all cordless models (UC4030A, DUC303Z, DUC405Z) | Oregon, SPARES2GO, Makita OEM chains | Makita Chainsaw Chain Compatibility |
| DeWalt | 3/8 LP .043″ on all cordless models (DCS300P1, DCS334, DCS335) | Oregon, SPARES2GO, DeWalt OEM chains | DeWalt Chainsaw Chain Compatibility |
| Milwaukee | 3/8 LP .043″ on M18 cordless models (uses Oregon components) | Oregon chains direct fit. Wide availability. | Milwaukee Chainsaw Chain Compatibility |
| Oregon | All standard pitches and gauges. Major aftermarket supplier. | VPX, VPX Light, Power Match, and specialty chains | Oregon Chainsaw Chain Guide |
How to Find Your Chain Size
The easiest way to get the right replacement chain is to check your current chain or bar documentation. Here’s where to look:
On the Chain Itself
Most chains have the pitch, gauge, and drive link count stamped directly on the chain. Look for markings like “3/8 LP .043 56DL” or “.325 .050 72DL”. These are the three specs you need.
On the Bar
Bar information is usually stamped on the side. You’ll see something like “16” 3/8 LP .043″ or “18” .325 .050″. Note that bars often don’t include the drive link count — you’ll need to count the links on your chain or check the manual.
In Your Manual
Every chainsaw manual includes the chain specification. Look for a section titled “Replacement Parts” or “Accessories”. This is your most reliable source.
Counting Drive Links
If you can’t find the drive link count on your chain, you can count them yourself. Remove the chain, lay it out in a loop on a flat surface, and count the number of drive links (the links that slot into the bar groove). It’s tedious but accurate.
Common Compatibility Questions
Need answers to specific questions? Check out our dedicated FAQ pages:
- Can You Use Different Pitch Chainsaw Chains? — Explains why pitch matters and what happens if you mix them.
- Chainsaw Chain Too Tight or Too Loose? Solutions. — Troubleshooting guide for chain tension issues.
- Aftermarket vs OEM Chainsaw Chains — Which Should You Buy? — Comparison of Oregon, SPARES2GO, and OEM chains.
Where to Buy Replacement Chains
Once you know your chain specs, you have several options:
Genuine OEM Chains
Stihl, Husqvarna, Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee all sell genuine replacement chains through authorised dealers. These are matched perfectly to your saw but tend to be more expensive.
Oregon Chains
Oregon is the world’s largest aftermarket chain manufacturer. Their chains are used on professional saws and are highly compatible across brands. Browse Oregon chains on Amazon UK.
Sharpening Kits
A dull chain is as dangerous as the wrong chain. Keep your chain sharp with a proper sharpening kit. Oregon sharpening kits on Amazon UK.
Watch: Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I use the wrong gauge chain on my chainsaw?
A gauge that’s too thick won’t fit the bar groove — the chain simply won’t loop around. A gauge that’s too thin will rattle and slip on the bar, causing the chain to jump or derail. In both cases, the saw is unsafe to use.
Can I use an Oregon chain on a Stihl chainsaw?
Yes, provided the pitch, gauge, and drive link count match. Oregon chains are commonly used as aftermarket replacements on Stihl, Husqvarna, and other brands. Always verify the specs against your bar or manual before purchasing.
Is 3/8 LP the same as 3/8 pitch?
No. 3/8 LP (low profile) and 3/8″ (full profile) are different systems running at different speeds on different sprockets. They are NOT interchangeable. Always check which system your saw uses.
How often should I replace my chainsaw chain?
A well-maintained chain lasts hundreds of hours. Most professional users replace chains once or twice a year. Check for dullness, damage, or missing teeth before each use. A dull chain is a sign to sharpen or replace.
What’s the difference between .043″ gauge and .050″ gauge?
.043″ is a narrow (reduced) kerf that cuts with less resistance, making it ideal for battery-powered saws with limited power. .050″ is standard gauge, more durable, and used on most mid-range petrol saws. Bars are designed for a specific gauge, so you can’t swap them.
Can I fit a longer bar and chain on my chainsaw?
Sometimes. Longer bars require more power, so a 12″ saw may not be able to handle a 20″ bar. Check your manual for the maximum recommended bar length. Undersized saws with oversized bars risk stalling, kickback, and damage.
