April 14, 2026 JUN

Chainsaw Chain Sizes Explained: Pitch, Gauge & Drive Links

Buying a replacement chainsaw chain sounds simple until you start seeing numbers like 3/8", .050", and 72DL.

For many buyers, this is where confusion starts.

The good news is that chainsaw chain sizing is actually easy once you understand the three key measurements: pitch, gauge, and drive link count.

In this guide, we will break down what each measurement means, why it matters, and how to read chainsaw chain sizes correctly before you order a replacement.

Quick Answer

Chainsaw chain sizes are usually identified by three main specs:

Pitch
Gauge
Drive link count

A typical size format may look like this:

3/8" LP / .050" / 62DL

That means:

3/8" LP = chain pitch
.050" = chain gauge
62DL = 62 drive links

Why Chainsaw Chain Size Matters

If your replacement chain is the wrong size, it may not fit your guide bar correctly or work properly with the sprocket.

Using the correct chain size helps you:

get a proper fit
improve cutting performance
reduce wear on the bar and sprocket
maintain safer and smoother cutting
avoid ordering the wrong replacement chain

What Does Pitch Mean on a Chainsaw Chain?

Pitch refers to the size of the chain.

It is measured by taking the distance across three consecutive rivets and dividing that measurement by two.

Common chainsaw chain pitch sizes

1/4"
3/8" Low Profile
.325"
3/8"
.404"

Why pitch matters

Pitch must match:

the drive sprocket
the guide bar nose sprocket if your bar has one
the rest of the cutting attachment system

If the pitch does not match, the chain will not run correctly.

What Does Gauge Mean on a Chainsaw Chain?

Gauge is the thickness of the chain’s drive link.

More specifically, it is the part of the chain that sits inside the guide bar groove.

Common chainsaw chain gauge sizes

.043"
.050"
.058"
.063"

Why gauge matters

If the gauge is too thin, the chain may feel loose in the bar groove.
If it is too thick, it may not fit at all.

A correct gauge ensures the chain tracks properly inside the guide bar.

What Are Drive Links?

Drive links are the lower parts of the chain that sit inside the guide bar groove and engage with the drive sprocket.

They are one of the most important parts of chain sizing because they determine the total loop length of the chain.

Why drive link count matters

Even if two chains have the same:

pitch
gauge
bar length

they still may not fit the same saw unless they also have the correct drive link count.

This is why two “16-inch chains” are not always interchangeable.

How to Read a Chainsaw Chain Size

Here is a simple example:

.325" / .050" / 72DL

This means:

.325" pitch
.050" gauge
72 drive links

Another example:

3/8" LP / .043" / 40DL

This means:

3/8" low profile pitch
.043" gauge
40 drive links

When buying a replacement chain, this full combination is what matters most.

Pitch vs Gauge vs Drive Links: What’s the Difference?

A simple way to think about it:

Pitch = the size and spacing of the chain
Gauge = the thickness of the drive link
Drive links = the total number of links in the loop

Each measurement does a different job:

pitch determines compatibility with sprockets
gauge determines compatibility with the guide bar groove
drive link count determines chain loop length

Together, these measurements define the chain size.

The Most Common Beginner Mistake

The most common mistake is buying a chain based only on bar length.

For example, two saws may both use a 16-inch bar, but one may require:

3/8" LP / .043" / 56DL

while the other uses:

.325" / .050" / 66DL

Both are 16-inch chains, but they are not interchangeable.

That is why bar length alone is never enough.

How to Find Your Chainsaw Chain Size

1. Check the guide bar

This is usually the easiest option.

Many guide bars have size markings near the mounting end. Depending on the bar, you may find:

bar length
pitch
gauge
replacement code

2. Check the old chain

Some chains have identifying numbers stamped on the drive links.

3. Check the owner’s manual

The manual may list the original chain specification for your saw model.

4. Measure manually

If you cannot find the markings, you can still measure:

pitch
gauge
drive links

How to Measure Pitch, Gauge, and Drive Links

How to measure pitch

Measure the distance across three consecutive rivets and divide by 2.

How to measure gauge

Use a digital caliper if possible. Stamped markings or bar specs are often more reliable than measuring a heavily worn chain.

How to count drive links

Count every drive link around the full chain loop.

Common Chainsaw Chain Size Terms You May See

When shopping online, you may see terms like:

LP = Low Profile
DL = Drive Links
Full Chisel
Semi Chisel
Low Kickback

These terms do not all describe size, but they often appear together in chain listings.

For example:

3/8" LP .050" 62DL Semi Chisel Chain

In that listing:

3/8" LP = pitch
.050" = gauge
62DL = drive links
Semi Chisel = cutter style

Which Chainsaw Chain Size Is Most Common?

There is no single size that fits every saw, but many homeowner saws commonly use combinations built around:

3/8" Low Profile
.043" or .050" gauge

Many mid-size gas saws and heavier-duty applications often use:

.325"
3/8"
.050", .058", or .063" gauge

Final Thoughts

Once you understand pitch, gauge, and drive links, chainsaw chain sizing becomes much easier.

If you remember only one thing, remember this:

The right replacement chain is not based on bar length alone.

It is based on the correct combination of:

pitch
gauge
drive link count

Get those three numbers right, and choosing a replacement chain becomes simple.

FAQ

What do the numbers on a chainsaw chain mean?

They usually refer to the chain’s pitch, gauge, and drive link count, which determine whether the chain fits your saw correctly.

Is pitch the same as gauge?

No. Pitch describes the size and spacing of the chain, while gauge describes the thickness of the drive link.

Are all 16-inch chains the same?

No. Two 16-inch chains can have different pitch, gauge, and drive link counts.

What does DL mean on a chainsaw chain?

DL stands for drive links, which tells you how many drive links are in the full chain loop.

Can I use a different gauge chain on my guide bar?

No. The chain gauge must match the guide bar groove width.

How do I find my chain size if the markings are gone?

Check the old chain, the owner’s manual, or measure the pitch, gauge, and drive links manually.