🧰 Chainsaw Chain Length Calculator
Match guide bar length, pitch, gauge, drive links, and sprocket size before you order a replacement chain or compare a bar-and-chain combo.
Calculation breakdown
| Pitch | Metric | Gauge | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 in | 6.35 mm | .043-.050 | Pruning |
| 0.325 in | 8.25 mm | .050-.058 | Light saws |
| 3/8 LP | 9.52 mm | .050-.058 | Home use |
| 3/8 in | 9.52 mm | .050-.063 | Felling |
| .404 in | 10.26 mm | .058-.063 | Heavy duty |
| Bar | Typical DL | Pitch | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 in | 44-50 | 1/4 in | Pruning |
| 14 in | 50-52 | 3/8 LP | Small saw |
| 16 in | 55-56 | 3/8 LP | All purpose |
| 18 in | 62-66 | 0.325 in | Firewood |
| 20 in | 72-76 | 3/8 in | Hardwood |
| 24 in | 84-92 | .404 in | Long bar |
| 28 in | 92-104 | 3/8 in | Felling |
| Teeth | Best Pitch | Feel | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6T | 1/4 in | Strong | High torque |
| 7T | 3/8 LP | Balanced | Common setup |
| 8T | 0.325 in | Quick | Good speed |
| 9T | 3/8 in | Fast | Needs power |
| 10T | .404 in | Very fast | Big saw only |
| Style | Tooth | Feel | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homeowner | Rounded | Safe | General use |
| Semi chisel | Rounded | Durable | Dirty wood |
| Full chisel | Square | Aggressive | Clean cuts |
| Ripping | Low hook | Smooth | Mill work |
| Carbide | Hardened | Tough | Trash wood |
Finding the right chainsaw chain length seems easy but it is much more tricky than you think. Combination of the pitch… The distance between the links, and the amount of drive links decide the whole chain length.
Chain manufacturers use this precise method to sort all different chain sizes and types.
How to Find the Right Chainsaw Chain
Three main measures define every chainsaw chain that must perfectly match with the guide bar and the sprocket. Pitch together with gauge sets the chain size. Gauge shows the thickness of the drive lugs.
The most common gauges are 0.050 inches and 0.058 inches, while 0.043 inches and 0.063 inches happen less commonly. You usually measure chainsaw chain according to the number of drive links, which points its lnegth.
To control the pitch size, take three rivets on the chain and measure the distance between their center spots. Later divide this by two, and you will have the pitch. For instance, if three rivets have half inch of distance, divided by two give the right pitch.
Number of links is the only safe way to be sure about the chain length. Not all 20-inch chains have same drive link count or chain type. For same bar length there exist several drive link amounts, because it depends on the maker and the tip configuration.
20-inch chain refers to 20-inch bar length, that makes the use. Pitch affects the length, so that.404-chain is longer than 3/8-chain with same number of links. When you buy chain, better choose according to drive links than according to inches of bar length.
All involved information should be etched or stamped on the bar end beside the saw. Link amount, bar length, tooth width and pitch all must match. Electrical Stihl saw can use 65 drive link chain, while the same bar gas version requires 64 drive link chain.
Many chainsaws offer different sprockets, bars and kerf options for the same saw.
Add links to extend or shorten chain are not that hard. You can buy tie straps special for that use, that match the pitch. If there are doubts, the chainsaw maker or chain maker will help to explain the needed figure.
Semi-chisel tooth style combines the advantages of both styles and stays sharp longer in most conditions.
