Photo via Unsplash
Complete reference for chainsaw chain sizing. Learn how to read chain numbers, match chain to bar, and cross-reference Oregon, Stihl, and Husqvarna chains. Includes sharpening angle guide and replacement tips. Updated March 2026.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. See all recommendations
A chainsaw chain is defined by three measurements that must all match your guide bar. Getting any one of them wrong means the chain won't fit or will perform poorly.
| Measurement | What It Is | How to Measure | Common Values |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pitch | Distance between chain links | Measure 3 consecutive rivets, divide by 2 | 1/4", .325", 3/8", .404" |
| Gauge | Thickness of drive link tang | Calipers on drive link, or check bar markings | .043", .050", .058", .063" |
| Drive Link Count | Total drive links in the chain | Count all drive links around entire chain | 40–105 (varies by bar length) |
Your bar and sprocket will have these specifications stamped or printed. Check the bar rails for gauge markings and your owner's manual for pitch and recommended drive link counts by bar length.
Pitch is not the distance between adjacent rivets — it is the distance between alternating rivets divided by two. A chain with 3 rivets spaced 3/4" apart has a pitch of 3/8". Never confuse pitch with drive link spacing.
Gauge is the thickness of the drive link tabs that ride inside the bar groove. If the gauge is too narrow, the chain will wobble and cut crooked. If too wide, the chain won't fit in the groove at all. The four standard gauge measurements (.043", .050", .058", .063") correspond to different saw sizes and power classes.
| Pitch | Common Gauge(s) | Typical Saw Size | Best Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | .043" | Very small (25–30cc) | Arborist top-handle, pruning, carving | Narrowest kerf, lowest kickback risk |
| .325" | .050", .058" | Small to mid (30–50cc) | Firewood, limbing, light felling | Good balance of speed and power |
| 3/8" (low profile) | .043", .050" | Homeowner (30–45cc) | Occasional use, yard cleanup | Low kickback, easy sharpening |
| 3/8" (full) | .050", .058", .063" | Mid to large (45–90cc+) | Felling, bucking, firewood production | Most common professional pitch |
| .404" | .063" | Large professional (70cc+) | Large timber felling, milling | Highest deposition, aggressive cut |
Note: 3/8" low-profile and 3/8" full pitch chains are different products — do not interchange them. Low-profile chains use shorter cutters and are not compatible with full-pitch sprockets and bars.
Common bar lengths paired with typical pitch, gauge, and drive link count combinations. Always verify against your specific saw model and bar markings.
| Bar Length | Pitch | Gauge | Drive Links | Typical Saw Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10" | 3/8" LP | .043" | 40 | Small homeowner, pole saw |
| 12" | 3/8" LP | .043" | 44 | Small homeowner |
| 14" | .325" | .050" | 52 | Mid homeowner / light pro |
| 14" | 3/8" LP | .050" | 50 | Mid homeowner |
| 16" | .325" | .050" | 56 | Mid homeowner / light pro |
| 16" | 3/8" full | .050" | 55 | Mid-range professional |
| 18" | .325" | .050" | 62 | Light pro |
| 18" | 3/8" full | .058" | 62 | Pro saw, firewood |
| 20" | 3/8" full | .058" | 68 | Pro saw, felling |
| 20" | 3/8" full | .063" | 68 | Large pro saw |
| 24" | 3/8" full | .063" | 81 | Large felling saw |
| 24" | .404" | .063" | 80 | Large felling / processing |
| 28" | .404" | .063" | 91 | Extra large, milling |
| 32" | .404" | .063" | 105 | Milling, big timber |
Each brand uses its own model numbering system, but all chains with matching pitch, gauge, and drive link count are interchangeable. Use this cross-reference to find equivalent chains across brands.
| Drive Links | Oregon (91VXL) | Oregon (20LPX) | Stihl | Husqvarna | Bar Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 91VXL050G | — | 26RS 50 | H30-50 | 14" |
| 55 | 91VXL055G | — | 26RS 55 | H30-55 | 16" |
| 62 | 91VXL062G | 20LPX062G | 26RS 62 | H30-62 | 18" |
| 68 | 91VXL068G | 20LPX068G | 26RS 68 | H30-68 | 20" |
| 72 | 91VXL072G | 20LPX072G | 26RS 72 | H30-72 | 20" |
| 81 | 91VXL081G | 20LPX081G | 26RS 81 | H30-81 | 24" |
| Drive Links | Oregon | Stihl | Husqvarna | Bar Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | S44 | 63PS 44 | H35-44 | 12" |
| 50 | S50 | 63PS 50 | H35-50 | 14" |
| 52 | S52 | 63PS 52 | H35-52 | 14" |
| 56 | S56 | 63PS 56 | H35-56 | 16" |
| 60 | S60 | 63PS 60 | H35-60 | 16" |
| 62 | S62 | 63PS 62 | H35-62 | 18" |
Cross-reference numbers are commonly compatible but always verify pitch, gauge, and drive link count before ordering. Manufacturer part numbers change over time.
If your chain is already installed, here is how to identify its specifications without the owner's manual.
Most guide bars have the pitch, gauge, and drive link count stamped directly on the bar near the mounting holes. Look for three numbers — for example "3/8 .050 62" — which means 3/8" pitch, .050" gauge, 62 drive links.
A worn chain reduces cutting efficiency, increases engine strain, and raises kickback risk. Learn to recognize the signs before the chain fails on the job.
| Sign | What It Means | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Producing dust instead of chips | Cutters are dull | Sharpen or replace chain |
| Requires heavy downward pressure | Cutters are dull | Sharpen or replace chain |
| Pulls to one side | Uneven cutter heights or sharpening | Re-sharpen evenly, or replace |
| Chain won't stay tight | Stretched chain, worn drive links | Replace chain |
| Cutters sharpened to minimum length | No material left to sharpen | Replace chain |
| Cracks or broken links | Structural failure risk | Replace immediately |
| Damaged depth gauges | Aggressive biting, kickback risk | File depth gauges or replace |
Correct sharpening angles restore cutting performance. Filing at the wrong angle produces poor results or damages the cutter geometry.
| Chain Type / Use | Top Plate Angle | File Angle (horizontal) | File Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard crosscut (most chains) | 30–35° | 90° (perpendicular to chain) | Match pitch (see below) | General-purpose cutting |
| Ripping chain (milling) | 5–10° | 90° | Match pitch | Cuts with grain, smoother surface |
| Skip / semi-skip chain | 30–35° | 90° | Match pitch | Fewer cutters, good for dirty wood |
| Carbide-tipped chain | Variable | Variable | Diamond file only | For dirty/abrasive cutting conditions |
| Chain Pitch | Correct Round File Diameter |
|---|---|
| 1/4" | 3/16" (4.8mm) |
| .325" | 3/16" (4.8mm) |
| 3/8" Low Profile | 5/32" (4.0mm) |
| 3/8" Full | 7/32" (5.5mm) |
| .404" | 7/32" (5.5mm) |
When filing, hold the file at the correct top-plate angle and keep it level (horizontal). File each cutter the same number of strokes and in one direction only — never back-and-forth. File the depth gauges with a flat file after every 3–5 sharpenings using the correct depth gauge tool for your chain.
These chains offer the best combination of sharpness retention, cutting speed, and value across different pitch and use categories.
As an Amazon Associate, WorkshopCalc earns from qualifying purchases. This helps support our free calculators and reference guides.
You need three measurements: pitch, gauge, and drive link count. Pitch is measured by taking the distance between three consecutive rivets and dividing by two. Gauge is the thickness of the drive links where they fit into the bar groove — measure with calipers or check your bar markings. Drive link count is the total number of drive links around the entire chain. All three numbers must match your bar specifications exactly. Most guide bars have all three values stamped near the mounting holes.
The 3/8" pitch (full) is the most common chain pitch for mid-size to large chainsaws used for felling and bucking. The .325" pitch is popular on smaller professional saws and mid-range homeowner saws. The 3/8" low-profile is the most common for casual homeowner use. The 1/4" pitch is used on very small top-handle arborist saws, while .404" is reserved for large professional felling saws and processing equipment.
Sharpen your chain whenever it requires more pressure to cut, produces fine dust instead of chips, pulls to one side, or visually appears dull. For light homeowner use this might be once per season or every few tanks of fuel. Professional loggers sharpen multiple times per day. A sharp chain cuts with light pressure and produces chunky wood chips — if you're seeing fine sawdust, the chain needs sharpening. One hit on a rock or dirt can dull the chain immediately and requires immediate sharpening.
Yes, Oregon chains are compatible with Stihl saws as long as pitch, gauge, and drive link count match. Oregon uses its own model numbering system but the three measurements are what matters for compatibility. Use the cross-reference table on this page to find the Oregon equivalent for your Stihl chain number, or look up the three measurements directly from your saw's owner manual or the markings on your bar. Brand doesn't matter — specs do.