Chainsaw Chain Length Calculator
Match guide bar length, pitch, gauge, and drive links for a clean replacement chain check.
Preset Chains
Chain Inputs
Result Cards
Spec Grid
Reference Tables
| Pitch | Gauge | Typical bar range | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 P | .043 in | 10 to 12 in | Pruning and small saws |
| 1/4 P | .050 in | 10 to 14 in | Light limbing setups |
| 3/8 LP | .043 in | 12 to 14 in | Ultra-compact saws |
| 3/8 LP | .050 in | 12 to 18 in | Homeowner and trim work |
| .325 | .050 in | 14 to 20 in | General cutting balance |
| .325 | .058 in | 16 to 20 in | Heavier general cutting |
| 3/8 | .050 in | 16 to 24 in | Mixed firewood work |
| 3/8 | .058 in | 18 to 24 in | Longer cutting bars |
| .404 | .063 in | 24 to 36 in | Large bars and hardwood |
| .404 | .063 in | 32 to 42 in | Heavy-duty logging saws |
| Bar length | Pitch and gauge | Typical DL | Reference note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 in | 3/8 LP .050 | 45 DL | Small saw baseline |
| 14 in | 3/8 LP .050 | 52 DL | Compact replacement size |
| 16 in | .325 .050 | 66 DL | Very common homeowner fit |
| 16 in | 3/8 LP .050 | 56 DL | Balanced light-duty match |
| 18 in | .325 .050 | 72 DL | General cutting standard |
| 18 in | 3/8 .050 | 68 DL | Longer reach and smoother cut |
| 20 in | 3/8 .050 | 72 DL | Wider sweep and extra reach |
| 24 in | .404 .063 | 84 DL | Heavier bar and chain setup |
| 28 in | .404 .063 | 92 DL | Large saw reference point |
| Mark | Meaning | Found on | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 LP | Low-profile pitch | Bar or chain stamp | Helps match the sprocket size |
| .325 | Mid-size pitch | Drive link stamp | Pairs with many mid-range saws |
| .050 | Common gauge | Bar tail stamp | Must fit the guide bar groove |
| .058 | Wider gauge | Bar tail stamp | Used on stronger bars |
| 56 DL | Drive link count | Old chain label | Most direct chain-length clue |
| K095 | Bar mount code | Bar tail or manual | Confirms mounting fit |
| 7 pin | Sprocket tooth count | Clutch drum | Supports pitch compatibility checks |
Tips
Tip: Read the bar stamp before you measure anything else.
Tip: Count drive links only, not cutters or rivets.
Tip: Gauge must match the bar groove for a clean fit.
Tip: If the old chain is intact, use it as your benchmark.
Getting the right chainsaw chain length is big, especially when cutting thick wood or removal of trees damaged by storms around the house. Although it seems easy the measurement of chainsaw chain is much more hard than you think. Combination of pitch and number of drive links make the whole length of chainsaw chains.
Makers of chains use this method to sort all various sizes and kinds.
How to Find the Right Chainsaw Chain
Three main sizes define every chainsaw chain that must match with the guide bar and sprocket. Pitch plus gauge plus number of drive links show the size and length of chainsaw chain. Because pitch affects the length,.404 chain is longer than 3/8 chain with same amount of ties.
During buying of chain, better count the drive links than inches of bar length.
To find the pitch, measure the distance between three rivets. For instance, half an inch between three rivets divided by two give the pitch. Gauge shows the thickness of the drive lugs.
Most commonly you find 0.050 inches or 0.058 inches, while 0.043 inches and 0.063 inches are less used. Pitch and gauge together set the chain type. Drive links stay inside the chain, and their number is the only way too estimate the right length for replacement.
Not all 20-inch chains have same number of drive links or chain type. For same bar length there exist several possible counts according to maker and tip configuration. 20-inch chain fits the bar length for that the machine is built.
Drive link count, bar length, tooth width and pitch must match. It is possible to use narrow tooth width, but matching everything is best.
If the manual of the saw lacks, the chain size is usually stamped on the bar itself. You find this mark usually beside the part of the bar nearest to the saw body. Saws are sold with chains of even lengths according to the bar size.
Some machines accept 14-inch until 20-inch bar, so you can choose short chain and bar now, and longer later. Maker of saws or chains will help you find the right size. Local chainsaw store can cut the chain to the right length.
