Chainsaw chain size: pitch, gauge and drive links

A chainsaw chain is described by three numbers, and all three must match your saw. The bar length in inches is not one of them.

Close-up of a chainsaw chain on its bar: the links, rivets and the drive links in the bar groove
Photo: Region 5 Photography, CC BY 2.0

Pitch

Pitch is the spacing of the links: the distance between any three rivets, divided by two. It must match the drive sprocket and the bar nose.

Gauge

Gauge is the thickness of the drive links where they ride in the bar groove.

Drive links

Drive links are the tabs under the chain. Their count is the chain's length. Two chains for the same bar length can have different counts if the pitch differs.

Drive links by bar length and pitch

Valid drive links by bar length and pitch
BarPitch: valid drive links
6" bar
1/4"
  • 42
3/8" LP
  • 28
8" bar
3/8" LP
  • 33
  • 34
10" bar
3/8" LP
  • 39
  • 40
12" bar
3/8" LP
  • 44
  • 45
  • 48
  • 49
14" bar
3/8" LP
  • 39
  • 49
  • 50
  • 52
  • 53
  • 54
  • 57
15" bar
.325"
  • 64
16" bar
.325"
  • 62
  • 66
  • 67
3/8"
  • 59
  • 60
3/8" LP
  • 54
  • 55
  • 56
  • 57
  • 58
  • 59
18" bar
.325"
  • 68
  • 72
  • 73
  • 74
3/8"
  • 66
  • 68
3/8" LP
  • 60
  • 62
  • 63
  • 64
20" bar
.325"
  • 78
  • 80
  • 81
3/8"
  • 70
  • 72
21" bar
3/8"
  • 72
24" bar
3/8"
  • 81
  • 84

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