Chainsaw Chain & Bar Compatibility Guide (2026)

Chain fit comes down to three figures: pitch, gauge and drive-link count. All three must match your bar and drive sprocket.

This guide explains each figure and gives examples from Stihl, Husqvarna, Makita, DEWALT and Milwaukee manuals and pages, and from Oregon’s chain data.

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:

All three must match. A 3/8″ chain does not fit a bar made for .325″ pitch, whatever its drive-link count, and a chain with the right pitch and gauge but the wrong drive-link count will not fit the bar length.

Understanding Chain Pitch

Oregon defines pitch as the distance between any three consecutive rivets, divided by two, and says the chain pitch must match the drive sprocket and the bar nose sprocket. Oregon’s family codes cover five pitches: 1/4″, 3/8″ low profile, .325″, 3/8″ and .404″.

1/4″ Pitch

Used on small saws such as Stihl’s MSA 120 C to MSA 200 C (1/4″ P, 1.1 mm) and on one bar option for the Husqvarna 540i XP (1/4″, 1.3 mm).

3/8 LP Pitch (Low Profile)

Used on many cordless and small petrol saws. Examples from maker sources:

• Makita DUC254Z, DUC256Z, DUC353Z, DUC355Z and DUC405Z (3/8″ LP, 1.1 mm)
• DEWALT’s 12″ and 16″ US chains (3/8″ LP, .043″)
• Milwaukee 2727-20 and 3004-20 (3/8″ LP, .043″); Milwaukee UK lists 3/8″, 1.1 mm for the M18 FCHS range
• Stihl MS 170, MS 180 and MSA 220 (Stihl calls it 3/8″ P, or Picco)
• Husqvarna 135 and 235 (Husqvarna UK calls its H37 chain 3/8″ mini)

Oregon lists its 3/8″ LP 90PX and 91PX chains for saws in this group. Standard 3/8″ chain is a different type: Oregon’s guidance is 3/8″ low profile for smaller saws and standard 3/8″ for larger petrol saws.

.325″ Pitch

Used on many mid-size petrol saws and some battery saws, for example the Stihl MS 261 and MSA 300, the Husqvarna 440, 445, 450 and 550 XP Mark II, the Milwaukee M18 FTHCHS30, FTHCHS35 and F2CHS50, and the DEWALT DCMCST635 (.325″ LP). The Husqvarna 540i XP and 542i XP use .325″ mini (1.1 mm).

3/8″ Pitch (Full Profile)

Used on larger petrol saws, for example the Stihl MS 362, MS 500i and MS 661 (1.6 mm) and the Husqvarna 455, 460, 560 XP and 576 XP, some of which also take .325″ chain.

.404″ Pitch

Stihl lists .404″ (1.6 mm) bars for the MS 660 and MS 661. Oregon’s .404″ families are 27, 59 and 68 (.063″).

Understanding Chain Gauge

Gauge is the thickness of the drive link where it fits into the guide-bar groove, and Oregon says it must match the bar. Oregon offers .043″, .050″, .058″ and .063″ (1.1, 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6 mm). Examples from maker sources:

• .043″ (1.1 mm): Makita DUC saws; DEWALT and Milwaukee 3/8″ LP chains; Stihl Picco Micro Mini 3 and 1/4″ P chains; Husqvarna X-PRECISION and H38.
• .050″ (1.3 mm): Stihl Picco Micro 3 (for example on the MS 180 and MS 211); Husqvarna 135/235 and many .325″ Rancher chains; Makita UC3551A; Milwaukee M18 F2CHS50.
• .058″ (1.5 mm): Husqvarna H25 and S35G (.325″) and H42 and C85 (3/8″).
• .063″ (1.6 mm): Stihl .325″ chains on the MS 250 and MS 261 and 3/8″ chains on the MS 362, MS 500i and MS 661.

Check the gauge stamped on your bar. A chain of a different gauge does not match the bar groove.

Understanding Drive Link Count

The drive-link count follows the bar, not just its nominal length, and Oregon notes that it varies by bar maker. For example, Stihl lists 55 drive links for a 40 cm (16″) 3/8″ P bar, while Oregon’s 16″ 3/8″ LP bar 160SDEA041 takes 56. Count your old chain or read the bar before ordering.

Low Profile vs Full Profile: A Critical Distinction

Low profile (3/8″ LP) and standard 3/8″ chains are different types. Oregon does not define “low profile” in the pages we checked, but it says the chain pitch must match the drive sprocket and bar nose sprocket. Fit the type your bar or manual lists.

Chain Compatibility by Brand

Each manufacturer uses different chain systems, though most have standardised on common pitches and gauges. Here’s a quick overview:

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

Oregon’s advice is to order by the number stamped on the drive link. The chain’s packaging normally gives the chain type and drive-link count.

On the Bar

Bars are marked with a part number; on Oregon bars, the first two digits give the bar length. Bars often do not show the drive-link count, so count the links on your old chain.

In Your Manual

Maker manuals list the approved bars and chains, but not always every figure: several Stihl and DEWALT manuals we hold give part numbers or pitch and gauge without a drive-link count.

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.
• 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 sell replacement chains under their own part numbers through dealers and online.

Oregon Chains

Oregon’s part finder lists its chains by saw model, but not for every model. Browse Oregon chains on Amazon.

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.

Watch: Video Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I use the wrong gauge chain on my chainsaw?

A chain must match the gauge of the bar groove; Oregon says the gauge has to match the bar. Do not fit a chain of a different gauge.

Can I use an Oregon chain on a Stihl chainsaw?

Yes, provided the pitch, gauge and drive-link count match. Oregon’s part finder lists chains for many Stihl saws. Always check the specs against your bar or manual before buying.

Is 3/8 LP the same as 3/8 pitch?

No. 3/8″ low profile and standard 3/8″ are different chain types and are not interchangeable. Oregon says the chain pitch must match the drive sprocket and bar nose sprocket, so check which type your saw uses.

How often should I replace my chainsaw chain?

We have not tested chain life. Check for dullness, damage or missing teeth before each use, and sharpen or replace the chain as needed.

What’s the difference between .043″ gauge and .050″ gauge?

They are different drive-link thicknesses: .043″ is 1.1 mm and .050″ is 1.3 mm. Bars are made for one gauge, so the chain must match your bar. We hold no maker data on cutting resistance.

Can I fit a longer bar and chain on my chainsaw?

Use only the bar lengths your saw’s manual lists. Manuals list specific bar and chain combinations, for example 30, 35 and 40 cm for the Stihl MS 180.