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What Size Chainsaw Chain Do I Need? How to Read Pitch, Gauge and Drive Links Off Your Bar
Chainsaw chain is sized by three numbers that must match your bar: pitch (the distance across three rivets divided by two, e.g. 3/8", .325", 3/8" mini), gauge (drive-link thickness, e.g. .043", .050", .058", .063"), and drive-link count (the number of links that ride in the bar groove). On most saws all three are stamped on the bar tail near the saw body, e.g. "3/8 .050 72DL." If they're worn off, count the drive links, check the code stamped on the old chain's drive link, or bring the saw to an authorized dealer.
Whether your chain went dull halfway through a storm cleanup or you run a crew with five saws and three bar lengths, ordering the right loop comes down to the same three numbers. Here's how to find them, what they mean, and where to get the chain once you know.
The short answer: 3 numbers decide your chain size
- Pitch is the spacing of the chain. It has to match the drive sprocket on the saw and the nose sprocket on the bar.
- Gauge is the thickness of the drive links, the part that rides in the bar groove. It has to match the groove width.
- Drive links (DL) is how many of those links are in the loop. It sets the length of the chain.
Bar length in inches is a shortcut, not the spec. Bars are sold by an approximate length, and two 18" bars can need different drive-link counts depending on pitch and how the bar fits the saw. Buy by pitch, gauge and DL, and use bar length only as a sanity check.
Where to find the numbers on your guide bar
Reading the bar tail stamp
Take the side cover off and look at the back end of the guide bar, the tail that sits under the side plate next to the saw body. Most bars have the specs stamped or printed there. A stamp that reads "3/8 .050 68" means:
- 3/8 = 3/8" pitch
- .050 = .050" gauge
- 68 = 68 drive links
Some bars show the DL count with "DL" after it; some don't. Some also list a bar part number you can look up.
[Image: annotated photo of a Husqvarna bar tail with pitch, gauge and DL called out]
The code on the old chain's drive link
Husqvarna and Oregon both stamp an identification code on the drive links of their chain. That code tells a parts counter which chain type you have. It is an ID, not the number of drive links. Don't order a "72" chain because you saw a 72 on a link. Count the links instead (see below).
[Image: close-up of a stamped drive link]
Your owner's manual and the model/part number
The owner's manual lists the bar and chain combinations approved for your saw. If you know the saw's model number, or the part number of the bar or chain, that's the quickest way to reorder. Pros running several saws should keep a list of part numbers per saw. It saves a lot of guessing at the counter.
Chain pitch explained
How to measure it
Measure from the center of one rivet to the center of the third rivet in a row, then divide by two. That's your pitch. On a worn chain this is easy to misread by a hair, so if the bar is stamped, trust the stamp.
Common pitches
Husqvarna lists six chain pitches in its help center: 1/4", 3/8" mini, .325" mini, .325", 3/8" and .404". Smaller pitches are generally found on lighter saws and larger pitches on bigger, more powerful ones.
Note the "mini" (low-profile) versions. 3/8" and 3/8" mini are different chains. So are .325" and .325" mini. They are not interchangeable.
Why pitch must match the drive sprocket and bar nose sprocket
The chain's pitch has to mesh with the drive sprocket on the saw and the sprocket in the bar nose. If it doesn't, the chain won't run correctly. If you're changing pitch on purpose, the sprocket and bar have to change with it. That's a job to plan with a dealer, not something to do by swapping chain alone.
Chain gauge explained
.043 / .050 / .058 / .063
Gauge is the thickness of the drive link where it sits in the bar groove. The common sizes are:
| Gauge (in) | Gauge (mm) |
|---|---|
| .043" | 1.1 mm |
| .050" | 1.3 mm |
| .058" | 1.5 mm |
| .063" | 1.6 mm |
Measuring with a caliper
You can measure the drive-link tang with a caliper. Worn chains tend to read a little low, so if the bar is stamped, go by the stamp.
What happens if gauge is wrong
Gauge must match the bar groove. A chain that's too thick won't seat in the groove. A chain that's too thin sits sloppy in the groove, can throw the chain and tends to cut crooked.
How to count drive links (without losing count)
- Lay the chain out, or leave it on the bar with the saw off and the chain brake engaged. Wear gloves.
- Mark one drive link with tape or a paint marker. That's link #1.
- Count every drive link (the tangs that point down into the groove) all the way around until you're back at the marked link.
- Count a second time. If you get two different numbers, count again.
Don't count cutters or tie straps. Only the drive links.
Chainsaw chain size chart (common setups)
These are Husqvarna X-CUT chains we list online, with specs taken from the listing titles. Check your own bar before you order. This chart doesn't tell you what fits a particular saw.
| Bar length | Pitch | Gauge | Drive links | Example chain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12" | 3/8" mini | .050" | 45 | X-CUT S93G (585422145) |
| 14" | 3/8" mini | .050" | 52 | X-CUT S93G (585422152) |
| 16" | .325" | .050" | 66 | X-CUT SP33G (581643666) |
| 18" | .325" | .050" | 72 | X-CUT SP33G (581643672) |
| 18" | 3/8" | .050" | 68 | X-CUT C83 (585550068) |
| 20" | .325" | .050" | 80 | X-CUT SP33G (581643680) |
| 20" | 3/8" | .050" | 72 | X-CUT C83 (585550072) |
| 24" | 3/8" | .050" | 84 | X-CUT C83 (585550084) |
| 28" | 3/8" | .050" | 93 | X-CUT C83 (585550093) |
| 32" | 3/8" | .050" | 105 | X-CUT C83 (585550005) |
Look at the two 18" rows: same bar length, different pitch, different drive-link count. That's why bar length alone isn't enough to order a chain.
Stihl chains are sized the same way. Stihl owners can use the same three numbers. Browse Stihl or the full chainsaw chain, bars & accessories collection.
Beyond fit: picking chain type (cutter profile, pro vs homeowner)
Once the size is right, the chain type is about the kind of cutting you do. Within the X-CUT line:
- S93G is a 3/8" mini chain used on lighter saws.
- SP33G is a .325" chain.
- C83 and C85 are 3/8" full-chisel chains aimed at professional use.
Husqvarna's bars and chains guide covers cutter profiles in more detail. If you're unsure, ask us. We'd rather help you pick than have you guess. See all Husqvarna products we carry.
Battery chainsaws: same rules
Husqvarna files its chain-size article under battery chainsaws, and the rules are the same: pitch, gauge and drive links. Battery saws often run narrow, low-profile chain such as 3/8" mini or .325" mini at .043" or .050" gauge. One example is the X-CUT SP21G, a .325" mini, .043" chain (12" 596553351, 16" 596553364). Don't assume, though. Check the bar on your saw. Shopping for a saw? See our battery chainsaws and chainsaws.
Still not sure? Bring the saw (or the bar) to an authorized dealer
Husqvarna's own help center tells owners to take their saw to a local authorized dealer when they can't confirm the chain. That's us. American Power Equipment has served Mobile County since 1965. Bring the saw, or just the bar and the old chain, to our Theodore store or Saraland store, and the parts counter will match pitch, gauge and drive links for you.
- Phone: (251) 653-5900
- Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30–4:30, Sat 7:30–12
Not near Mobile? Order by spec online. We ship parts nationwide.
For tree crews and arborists, keeping a spare loop or two for each bar on the truck means a dull chain doesn't stop work, especially during Gulf Coast storm cleanup. When a saw needs more than a chain, see our handheld equipment repair and service & repair pages. New to running a saw? Read how to start and operate a chainsaw, our safety tips for power equipment, and Stihl tools for storm season prep.
FAQs
What do the numbers on my chainsaw bar mean?
They're the pitch, gauge and drive-link count. For example, "3/8 .050 72" means 3/8" pitch, .050" gauge and 72 drive links.
Is bar length the same as chain size?
No. Bar length is approximate. Buy chain by pitch, gauge and drive-link count.
How do I measure chain pitch?
Measure from the center of the first rivet to the center of the third rivet, then divide by 2.
Can I use a .058 gauge chain on a .050 bar?
No. The chain's gauge must match the bar groove.
Is the number stamped on the drive link the number of drive links?
No. It's a chain ID code. Count the drive links to get the DL number.
What's the difference between 3/8" and 3/8" mini (low profile)?
They're different chains that run on different sprockets. They are not interchangeable.
Do battery chainsaws use different chain?
They use the same three specs. Battery saws often run narrow, low-profile chain, so check the numbers on your bar.
What if the bar stamp is worn off?
Count the drive links, read the code on the old chain's drive link, check your owner's manual, or bring the saw to a dealer.
How often should I replace a chainsaw chain?
Sharpen it when it makes dust instead of chips. Replace it when the cutters are worn past the file mark or the chain is damaged. Your owner's manual has the details for your chain.
Where can I buy Husqvarna chain near Mobile, AL?
At American Power Equipment in Theodore and Saraland. Call (251) 653-5900, or order online and we'll ship it to you anywhere in the US.
Questions? Contact us or call (251) 653-5900.