How to Identify the Correct Chainsaw Chain

How to Identify the Correct Chainsaw Chain

Emily Leech

How to Identify the Correct Chainsaw Chain

The Professional Method Used by Chainsaw Shops

One of the most common questions we hear at Cheap Chainsaw Chains is:

"I need a new chain, but I don't know which one fits my chainsaw."

The good news is that identifying the correct chainsaw chain is usually much easier than most people think.

Every day, we help customers identify replacement chains using a simple process that starts with the easiest methods before moving on to more advanced identification techniques.

In this guide, we'll show you the exact process we use in our workshop to identify the correct replacement chain—without relying on guesswork.

Quick Identification Checklist

Before you start, see how many of these you already know:

✅ Chainsaw make

✅ Chainsaw model

✅ Guide bar markings

✅ Drive link count

✅ Brand of chain

✅ Numbers stamped on the chain

If you know all of these, identifying the correct chain is usually straightforward. If not, don't worry—we'll walk you through it step by step.

Step 1 – Identify Your Chainsaw Make & Model

This is always the easiest place to start.

If you know the make and model of your chainsaw and it's still fitted with its original guide bar, we can often identify the correct replacement chain without needing any further information.

Examples include:

  • Stihl MS271
  • Husqvarna 572XP
  • Echo CS-590
  • Makita EA4300

If the guide bar has been changed since new, we'll need a little more information.

Step 2 – Check Your Guide Bar

Most guide bars have important information stamped directly onto them.

Depending on the manufacturer, this may include:

  • Pitch
  • Gauge
  • Drive link count
  • Bar length
  • Part number

If these markings are still readable, they often provide everything needed to identify the correct replacement chain.

Step 3 – Count the Drive Links

If the guide bar markings are worn away or the bar has been replaced, the next step is to count the drive links.

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

Workshop Tip

The easiest way to count drive links is to:

  1. Untangle the chain completely.
  2. Lay it out in a long oval.
  3. Bring both sides together so they sit side by side.
  4. Count only the drive links (the part that runs inside the guide bar).
  5. Count both sides, by twos as you work along the chain until you come to the end. Odd length chains will have one drive link left at the end, even numbers line up perfectly both sides when counting by two's.

Counting by twos makes it much easier to keep track and reduces the chance of losing your place.

Step 4 – Identify the Chain Itself

If you don't know your chainsaw model and the guide bar markings have worn away, don't worry.

The chain itself often provides enough information to identify it.

Most major manufacturers stamp identification numbers directly onto the chain.

These markings can tell us the chain's:

  • Pitch
  • Gauge
  • Brand

Once we know those details, together with the drive link count, identifying the correct replacement chain becomes much easier.

Step 5 – Read the Identification Numbers

This is the method we often use when everything else has failed.

Different manufacturers stamp different information onto their chains.

For example, STIHL chains have identification numbers stamped on both the cutter and the drive link.

The number stamped on the cutter identifies the chain pitch, while the number stamped on the drive link identifies the gauge.

Oregon chains use a different system, with the identification number stamped on the drive link representing a combination of both pitch and gauge.

Step 6 – Why We Don't Recommend Measuring First

Many websites suggest measuring the pitch and gauge of your chain.

While this can be done using vernier callipers, it's often the least reliable method for the average chainsaw owner.

Chains wear over time, meaning measurements can become inaccurate.

Most people also don't have the specialised measuring equipment needed to obtain an accurate reading.

Whenever possible, we recommend identifying your chain using:

  • Chainsaw model
  • Guide bar markings
  • Drive link count
  • Identification numbers stamped on the chain

before resorting to physical measurements.

Common Mistakes

Measuring the Entire Guide Bar

One of the most common mistakes is measuring the overall length of the guide bar.

For example, a guide bar sold as a 20-inch bar will often measure 23–24 inches from end to end.

Guide bars are measured by their usable cutting length, not their total physical length.

Counting Cutters Instead of Drive Links

Only the drive links determine the correct replacement chain length.

Counting cutters or tie straps will not provide the information needed to identify the chain.

Assuming Every 20-Inch Chain Is the Same

Two 20-inch guide bars can use completely different:

  • Pitches
  • Gauges
  • Drive link counts

Never order a replacement chain based solely on bar length.

Measuring a Worn Chain

As chains wear, measurements become less reliable.

Whenever possible, identify the chain before attempting to measure it.

Still Unsure?

If you're still unable to identify your chain, we're here to help.

Simply send us:

📷 A photo of the chainsaw

📷 A photo of the guide bar (both sides if possible)

📷 A close-up photo of the chain

📷 Any numbers stamped on the chain

📷 The drive link count (if known)

Our team will help identify the correct replacement chain for your saw.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the correct replacement chain doesn't have to be difficult.

Start with the easiest information—your chainsaw model and guide bar markings—before moving on to drive link counts and chain identification numbers.

Following the same process used by chainsaw professionals will help ensure you order the correct chain the first time.

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