Before you begin. This procedure is general reference information, not professional advice. Equipment varies by manufacturer, model, and year. Always follow the documentation supplied with your equipment — where it differs from this page, follow the manufacturer. Verify that you have the tools, the working conditions, and the ability to do this task safely. If anything is unclear, if the equipment is damaged, or if the task exceeds your experience, stop and use a qualified professional. You are responsible for your own safety and for the outcome. This site accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use of this information.
Specifications marked unverified could not be traced to a manufacturer source. Do not rely on them — obtain the value from your equipment documentation.
Summary
Every chainsaw chain has three critical measurements stamped on it or marked on your guide bar: pitch, gauge, and drive link count. These numbers must match your equipment for safe operation. Read the measurements from the chain and bar, then consult your manual to confirm they suit your saw.
Necessary equipment
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| ruler or measuring tape | Measures distance between rivets. Accuracy to 0.05 inch is adequate. |
| vernier caliper | Measures gauge thickness if no mark appears on the chain. Calipers are more accurate than a ruler. |
| marking tape or marker | Marks the first link so you can count all links accurately. |
| operator's manual for your chainsaw material | Contains bar and chain specifications for your exact model. You must have this to do a check of the measurements. |
Specifications
No tier-1 source was found for this value. Take it from the documentation supplied with your equipment.
No tier-1 source was found for this value. Take it from the documentation supplied with your equipment.
No tier-1 source was found for this value. Take it from the documentation supplied with your equipment.
Learn the three chain measurements
Estimated 3 min
DO NOT INSTALL A CHAIN THAT DOES NOT MATCH YOUR MANUAL SPECIFICATION.
A chain with incorrect pitch will slip on the sprocket. A chain with incorrect gauge will fit loosely in the bar groove and throw off during operation. Either condition can cause serious injury or equipment damage.
- Learn what pitch is.1mReport a problem with step 1, Learn the three chain measurements
- Chain pitch is the distance between three consecutive rivets divided by two.
- Pitch determines whether a chain fits the chainsaw sprocket and bar.
- Learn what gauge is.1mReport a problem with step 2, Learn the three chain measurements
- Chain gauge is the thickness of the drive links.
- Gauge must match the width of the bar groove.
- Drive links are the teeth on the underside of the chain.
- Incorrect gauge causes the chain to fit incorrectly or throw off during use.
- Learn what drive link count is.1mReport a problem with step 3, Learn the three chain measurements
- Drive link count is the total number of drive links on the chain loop.
- This number determines the overall chain length.
- Drive link count must match your guide bar.
Identify the chain pitch
Estimated 3 min to 4 min
- Locate three consecutive rivets on the chain.<1mReport a problem with step 1, Identify the chain pitch
- Rivets are the metal pins that hold the chain links together.
- Measure the distance between the first rivet center and the third rivet center.1mReport a problem with step 2, Identify the chain pitch
- Use a ruler or calipers.
- Accuracy to 0.05 inch is adequate.
- Divide the measurement by two.<1mReport a problem with step 3, Identify the chain pitch
- This gives you the pitch.
- Example: three rivets that measure 0.75 inch across equals a 0.375 inch pitch (written as 3/8 inch).
- Look for the pitch on the chain drive link.<1mReport a problem with step 4, Identify the chain pitch
- Many manufacturers put pitch on the chain drive link.
- The pitch appears as a fraction or decimal.
- Look for pitch on the guide bar tail.<1mReport a problem with step 5, Identify the chain pitch
- The bar tail is the end that faces the engine.
- The bar tail often has the pitch, gauge, and drive link information.
Identify the chain gauge
Estimated 3 min to 4 min
- Inspect the drive link for a gauge mark.<1mReport a problem with step 1, Identify the chain gauge
- Gauge often appears as a decimal on the drive link.
- Look for gauge on the guide bar tail if the chain has no mark.<1mReport a problem with step 2, Identify the chain gauge
- Measure the gauge with a vernier caliper if you do not find a mark.2mReport a problem with step 3, Identify the chain gauge
- Measure the thickness of a drive link where it enters the bar groove.
- Vernier calipers are more accurate than a ruler.
Count the drive links
Estimated 6 min
- Put a tape mark on the first drive link.<1mReport a problem with step 1, Count the drive links
- This serves as your reference point.
- Count every drive link on the chain loop.5mReport a problem with step 2, Count the drive links
- Move around the chain back to your marked starting point.
- Count only the drive links, which are the teeth on the underside.
- Look for the drive link count in the chain part number.<1mReport a problem with step 3, Count the drive links
- Many manufacturer chains have this count on the ID link.
Compare the measurements with your equipment
Estimated 6 min
- Write down all three measurements.<1mReport a problem with step 1, Compare the measurements with your equipment
- Record the pitch, gauge, and drive link count together.
- Open your chainsaw operator's manual.1mReport a problem with step 2, Compare the measurements with your equipment
- Locate the bar and chain specifications for your exact model.
- Read your manual specifications for pitch, gauge, and drive link count.2mReport a problem with step 3, Compare the measurements with your equipment
- Compare your measurements with your manual specifications.1mReport a problem with step 4, Compare the measurements with your equipment
- All three measurements must match exactly.
- Contact your chainsaw manufacturer or an authorized dealer if measurements do not match.1mReport a problem with step 5, Compare the measurements with your equipment
- Do this even if you cannot find the specification in your manual.
Terminology
This page uses one term for each item and holds it throughout, as ASD-STE100 requires. Equipment sellers and other guides use the names below for the same parts.
- pitch
- Also called: no common alternatives
- gauge
- Also called: no common alternatives
- drive link
- Also called: no common alternatives
- rivet
- Also called: no common alternatives
- guide bar
- Also called: no common alternatives
When to use a professional
Do not guess the specifications or use a chain from a different saw model. Contact your chainsaw manufacturer or an authorised dealer if your measurements do not match your manual.
Common questions
Why does chain pitch matter?
Pitch determines whether the chain fits the sprocket that drives it. A chain with the wrong pitch will slip on the sprocket or sit too tightly, preventing proper operation.
What happens if I use the wrong gauge chain?
A chain that is too thick will not fit the guide bar groove. A chain that is too thin will fit loosely, causing the chain to wander, throw off, and create dangerous operating conditions.
Can I estimate the measurements instead of checking them exactly?
No. All three measurements must be exact. Even small differences can cause the chain to fit incorrectly. Always read the markings or measure precisely.
What if I cannot find the pitch, gauge, or drive link count for my saw?
Contact your chainsaw manufacturer or an authorized dealer. Do not guess or use a chain from a different saw model. Wrong measurements create a serious safety hazard.
Are the pitch and gauge marked on every chain?
Most modern chains carry these markings on the drive link or chain body, but not all. Your guide bar tail or operator's manual will always have this information.
Related procedures
- Replace a chainsaw guide bar and check whether the drive sprocket is worn too
- How to tell if a chainsaw chain is too loose, and how to tighten it
- Sharpen a chainsaw chain with a round file and a depth gauge, and know when to stop filing
- How to measure a pipe or a hose so the fitting you buy actually fits
- What size blade fits my mower, and how do I check the length, center hole and mounting pattern before I buy a replacement?
- How do I work out what size bolt this is, and what do the lines on the head mean?
Sources
Every specification on this page is traced to one of these sources. Tier 1 is a manufacturer document, a published standard, or a government safety authority. See Standards for the full tiering rule.
- Tier 1How to measure pitch and gauge on a chainsaw chain
- Tier 1Saw Chain Terminology
- Tier 1Replacing Chainsaw Chain
- Tier 1Why won't my new chainsaw chain fit into the groove of the chainsaw bar?
- Tier 1STIHL Chainsaw Chain Pitch and Gauge Information
Revision history
Current version 1 · updated 2026-08-03T00:00:00Z · next review due 2027-08-03
- v1 · 2026-08-03T00:00:00ZFirst publication.
Corrections to this page are listed in the public corrections log. Reports that are credible and not yet verified are listed in the public errata register, and an open one renders above the step it concerns.
Comments and corrections
Found an error? A correction with a manufacturer source is applied and logged publicly. You can also write to corrections@fixchecklist.com.
Every step above carries its own report control, which tags the report with that step so a correction reaches the right place. For anything about the procedure as a whole — the order of the sections, a step that is missing, something that did not match your equipment — use this: report something about this whole procedure.