Find the Right Chain for Your Stihl in Two Simple Steps

Choosing the correct chain for your Stihl chainsaw can feel confusing, especially when some models come with different bar options. This guide makes it simple. First, learn how to confirm the exact chain your bar requires, then scroll down to the full Stihl Chain Size Table at the bottom of this page.

Step 1 — Find Your Stihl Model

Scroll down to the Stihl Chain Size Table at the bottom of this page and locate your model and bar length. This gives you the recommended chain size for that setup.

If your model appears more than once with different gauges or drive link counts, continue to Step 2.

Step 2 — Confirm These Two Things on Your Saw

Some Stihl saws can use different bars depending on the version or what a previous owner installed. These two checks ensure you get the exact chain your bar needs.

1. Drive Links (DL)

This is the most accurate way to confirm your chain size.

• Count the cutters on your old chain
• Multiply that number by 2
• The result = your Drive Link count

Example:
27 cutters × 2 = 54DL

If you notice one slightly larger gap between cutters, that means an odd number like 55DL.

2. Gauge

Gauge is the thickness of the drive links — the part that sits inside the bar groove.

Look for one of these numbers stamped on your bar near the mount:

• .043" / 1.1mm
• .050" / 1.3mm
• .058" / 1.5mm
• .063" / 1.6mm

This number must match exactly.
If the gauge is wrong, the chain will not fit the bar.

Why You Don’t Need to Check Pitch

Once you know your Drive Link count and Gauge, the pitch is automatically correct for your bar and model. This keeps the process simple and avoids confusion.

Why This Method Works

Stihl saws often get replacement bars over their lifetime. A previous owner may have swapped:

• .043 bars for .050
• .050 bars for .063
• 14" bars for 16" or 16" for 18", etc
• Standard bars for Light 04 bars or Light 04 bars for Standard bars

So relying only on the model number can lead to the wrong chain.
Checking against Drive Links + Gauge guarantees a perfect fit every time.

Need Help?

If your Stihl model isn’t listed, or your bar markings are worn off, send us a message through the Contact Us page. A photo of your bar markings near the mount and number of cutters on your last correct chain is usually enough for us to identify the exact chain you need.

Stihl Chain Size Table (Australia)