4 Things to Know About Chainsaw Chain Pitch and Gauge

Pitch and gauge depend on the saw’s design, not the bar length There is no universal pitch and gauge for a given bar length. Always check what the saw is designed for, not what the bar measures.

Pitch is the distance between drive links Measure from the center of one rivet to the center of the next, then divide by two. Common pitches are 1/4", 3/8", .325", and .404". Smaller pitch gives a smoother cut but slower chain speed.

Gauge is the thickness of the drive links It is typically .043", .050", .058", or .063". Use a caliper or gauge tool to measure it accurately.

Check the bar stamp and manual, not assumptions The bar has pitch and gauge stamped near the mount, like “3/8 .050”. Consumer saws with 16"–20" bars often use 3/8" pitch and .050" gauge, but pro saws with longer bars may use .325" or .404" pitch. Measure twice, buy once.