Chainsaw Chain Sizes Explained: Pitch, Gauge and Drive Links
Bar length on its own is not enough to order a chain. Start with the machine and guide-bar identification, then confirm the chain specification against the manufacturer's approved combinations.
Record the complete specification
Oregon explains pitch, gauge and chain design separately. Pitch measures the spacing pattern of the chain; gauge describes the drive-link thickness that must fit the bar groove. Drive-link count also matters. Chain profile and the bar/sprocket combination can differ even where headline measurements look similar.
- Record the saw make, full model and relevant serial or version information.
- Read the bar markings and the machine manual; photograph them if unclear.
- Check pitch, gauge, drive-link count and approved chain type together.
- Confirm the replacement's exact part number rather than matching only its advertised length.
Check condition, not a sharpening tally
STIHL points to wear markings and damage when deciding whether a chain needs replacement. A fixed number of sharpenings is not a reliable rule. If a chain, bar or sprocket is damaged, stop using the equipment and obtain the appropriate assessment and replacement instructions.
Browse Chainsaw Chains with your complete specification to hand. Our Power Tool & Mower Parts department also contains unrelated parts, so a shared brand name does not establish fit.
If the markings disagree
Do not guess from an old chain that may itself be incorrect. Ask the equipment maker or a competent service centre to identify the approved cutting attachment. This guide helps with selection; operating and fitting instructions remain those for your exact machine.
Sources and further reading
Guidance checked 17 September 2026. Follow the instructions supplied with your specific product.
