A chainsaw chain wears out faster than the saw itself, and buying the wrong replacement is the most common mistake in the yard. The confusing part is why: chains are sized by three numbers (pitch, gauge, and drive links), and all three have to match your bar. This chainsaw chain size chart lays out those three numbers for common saws so you can order the right loop the first time. It prints clean, which helps when you are standing in the aisle or sizing a loop off an old chain.
The bar carries every number you need. Most bars have the pitch and gauge stamped or etched near the mounting end. If the stamp is worn off, count the drive links on your old chain and match the pitch by looking at the cutters. The three numbers below are all that separate a chain that fits from one that jumps off or binds.
Chainsaw Chain Size Chart by Common Saws
This table maps common saws to their chain specs. The fit calls below come from the chains themselves, so they are only as good as the listing data, but they cover the most-owned saws in the country. If your saw is not here, the bar stamp is the source of truth, go look at it before you order. And where a saw maker updates a line (Stihl switched gauges in 2023), trust the stamp over a chart.
| Saw | Bar Length | Pitch | Gauge | Drive Links | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl MS 170 / MS 171 / MS 180 C | 16 in. | 3/8 in. LP | .043 in. | 55 | Picco chain, marked 61PMM355 |
| Stihl MS 250 | 18 in. | .325 in. | .050 or .063 in. | 68 | Gauge changed with the 2023 line, check your bar |
| Stihl MS 261 / 271 / 291 | 20 in. | .325 in. | .050 or .063 in. | 81 | MS 261, 271 Farm Boss, 291 all run this spec |
| Stihl MS 311 / MS 391 | 20 in. | 3/8 in. | .050 in. | 72 | Uses a 33RS-72 type full chisel |
| Husqvarna 455 / 460 Rancher | 20 in. | 3/8 in. | .050 in. | 72 | Common aftermarket fit, 455 and 460 Rancher |
| EGO Power+ CS1600 / CS1604 | 16 in. | 3/8 in. LP | .050 in. | 56 | OEM replacement is the EGO AC1600 |
| Ryobi, Craftsman, Echo, Poulan (homeowner 14-16 in.) | 14-16 in. | 3/8 in. LP | .050 in. | 52 or 56 | 14 in. = 52 links, 16 in. = 56 links |
| Greenworks 80V, Kobalt, Oregon bars (18 in.) | 18 in. | 3/8 in. LP | .050 in. | 62 | Common aftermarket 18 in. fit |
How a Chainsaw Chain Is Sized: Pitch, Gauge and Drive Links
Every chainsaw chain is defined by three measurements. Get one wrong and the chain will not seat in the groove or mesh with the sprocket. Here is each one, in plain terms.
Pitch
Pitch is the distance between three consecutive drive links divided by two, or roughly the spacing of the cutters. Common pitches are 1/4 in., 3/8 in. low profile (LP), 3/8 in., and .325 in. The pitch must match the bar nose sprocket and the drive sprocket on the saw. Low-profile chains use shorter cutters and a 3/8 LP number, and they are common on electric and pruning saws.
Gauge
Gauge is the thickness of the drive link that rides in the bar groove. Common gauges are .043 in., .050 in., .058 in., and .063 in. The gauge has to match the width of the bar groove. A chain that is slightly too thick will not drop in; one that is too thin rattles and throws off the cut. Check the bar before ordering. Most consumer saws run .050 in., and the smaller Stihl gasoline saws use .043 in., so gauge alone often tells you what you are dealing with.
Drive Links
Drive links are the teeth that sit in the bar channel and get pulled along by the sprocket. The drive-link count is the number you see on the box, like 62 or 72, and it is tied to bar length. But it is not a fixed rule, two identical-length bars from different makers can take a different number of drive links. Count the links on your old chain to be sure.
Drive Links by Bar Length (General Guide)
This is a starting point, not a rule. Drive-link count changes with the bar brand and nose sprocket, so treat these as typical numbers for low-profile chains and confirm yours by counting.
| Bar Length | Typical Drive Links (3/8 LP / .050) |
|---|---|
| 12 in. | 44 to 46 |
| 14 in. | 50 to 52 |
| 16 in. | 56 to 58 |
| 18 in. | 62 |
| 20 in. | 72 (full-size 3/8 in. chain) |
Full-Size vs Low-Profile Chain
Low-profile (LP) chain uses a shorter cutter and is what most electric saws and homeowner gas saws run. It cuts with less kickback and is easier to keep sharp. Full-size 3/8 in. and .325 in. chain has taller cutters and bites faster, which is why pro and rancher saws use it. You cannot mix them. The pitch of the chain must match the pitch of the bar and sprocket, so a low-profile saw stays on a low-profile chain.
Get the Right Replacement Chain
Once you know your three numbers, the fix is straightforward. The chains below are current in-stock listings that cover the common spec combos above, with prices checked at the time of writing. Match the pitch, gauge, and drive links to your bar before buying.
A Replacement Chain for Every Spec in the Chart
| Product | Price | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon 18 in. 3/8 LP .050 62 DL | $27.99 | 18 in. bars on Poulan, Kobalt, Echo, EGO, Greenworks, Ryobi | Buy Now |
| KAKEI 20 in. 3/8 .050 72 DL (3 pack) | $34.38 | 20 in. bars on Stihl MS311/MS391 and Husqvarna 455/460 Rancher | Buy Now |
| Fifchall 14 in. 3/8 LP .050 52 DL (2 pack) | $9.99 | Small 14 in. homeowner saws from Craftsman, Echo, Poulan, Ryobi, Worx | Buy Now |
| KAKEI 16 in. 3/8 LP .043 55 DL (3 pack) | $22.39 | Stihl MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C (Picco 61PMM355 style) | Buy Now |
| EGO Power+ AC1600 16 in. Chain | $27.30 | OEM fit for the EGO CS1600 and CS1604 | Buy Now |
| KAKEI 16 in. 3/8 LP .050 56 DL (3 pack) | $21.59 | 16 in. bars on Craftsman, Poulan, Ryobi, Echo, Greenworks | Buy Now |
Prices checked at time of writing and change without notice. Count your old chain’s drive links before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what chain my chainsaw needs?
Find the pitch and gauge stamped on the bar, near the mounting end, then count the drive links on your old chain. With those three numbers you can order a replacement, and every chain listing carries all three.
What does 62 drive links mean on a chainsaw chain?
Drive links are the teeth that ride in the bar groove. The number, here 62, is the total count of links along the loop, and it matches a specific bar length for that chain. Match it to the drive-link count on your old chain, not just the bar length.
What’s the difference between .050 and .043 gauge?
Gauge is the thickness of the drive link that rides in the bar groove. .050 in. is the most common gauge on consumer and rancher saws, and .043 in. shows up on smaller saws like the Stihl MS 170, MS 180, and many pole saws. Match the gauge to the bar, a .050 chain will not seat in a .043 groove.
Is 3/8 LP the same as 3/8 chain?
No. 3/8 LP (low profile) is a smaller chain with shorter cutters used on electric and homeowner saws, and it will not fit the same bar sprocket as full-size 3/8 in. chain. Do not try to swap them.
How do I count drive links on my old chain?
Lay the chain flat and count the drive links, the heavier teeth that sit in the bar groove and that the sprocket pulls, not the cutting teeth. That number, for example 56 or 72, is the drive-link count you match when ordering.
Why does my chainsaw chain keep coming loose?
Usually operator error on the bar adjuster, a worn bar groove, or a stretch in the chain. First tighten the chain tension while the bar is supported and the clutch is cool, then check for a worn bar nose sprocket, which rides the chain loose. A thin, worn groove also lets a chain wobble.
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