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Chainsaw chain identification chart
Every saw chain is described by three numbers — pitch, gauge and drive-link count — plus a file size for sharpening. This chart ties them together and cross-references the chain codes used by Oregon, Stihl, Husqvarna and Carlton, so a loop sold under any brand's numbering can be matched to your bar.
Pitch × gauge × file size
| Pitch | Used on | Common gauges | Round file size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8″ Low Profile (“Picco”) | Small homeowner & electric/battery saws, pole pruners | .043″ (1.1 mm) · .050″ (1.3 mm) | 5/32″ (4.0 mm) |
| .325″ | Mid-size homeowner & ranch saws (40–60 cc) | .050″ (1.3 mm) · .058″ (1.5 mm) · .063″ (1.6 mm) | 3/16″ (4.8 mm) |
| 3/8″ (standard) | Large homeowner, ranch & professional saws (55 cc +) | .050″ (1.3 mm) · .058″ (1.5 mm) · .063″ (1.6 mm) | 7/32″ (5.2 mm) |
| .404″ | Large professional & harvester saws | .058″ (1.5 mm) · .063″ (1.6 mm) | 7/32″ (5.5 mm) |
File sizes per Oregon and Husqvarna chain data (e.g. Oregon 91-series 3/8″ LP chain is specified with a 5/32″ file; Husqvarna's H30 .325″ chain with a 3/16″ file). Always confirm against your chain maker's sharpening data.
Pitch is the distance between any three consecutive rivets, divided by two — it must match your drive sprocket and bar nose sprocket. Gauge is the thickness of the drive links where they ride in the bar groove. Drive links are the tang-shaped links that sit in the groove; their count sets the loop length for a given bar.
Chain code cross-reference
Chain makers print a short code on the box and on the drive links. The same physical chain is sold under different codes by different brands. Codes below are the ones confirmed in manufacturer and dealer data we checked; a dash means we have not verified that brand's code for that spec — match on pitch, gauge and drive links instead.
| Spec (pitch · gauge) | Oregon | Stihl | Husqvarna | Carlton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8″ LP · .043″ | 90PX | 61 PMM3 (Picco Micro Mini 3) | H38 | N4C |
| 3/8″ LP · .050″ | 91PX / 91VXL | 63 PM3 | H37 | — |
| .325″ · .050″ | 95TXL (SpeedCut) · 20BPX | — | H30 · X-CUT SP33G | — |
| 3/8″ · .050″ | 72 (72LPX / 72EXL) | — | H80 | — |
| 3/8″ · .058″ | 73 (73LPX) | — | H81 | — |
| 3/8″ · .063″ | 75 (75LPX) | — | — | — |
Oregon's two-digit code is the fastest tell in the aisle: the first digit is the pitch family (9 = 3/8″ low profile, 2 = .325″, 7 = 3/8″ standard) and the second digit encodes the gauge (0 = .043″ LP / 2 = .050″, 3 = .058″, 5 = .063″ in the 7-series). Stihl and Husqvarna equivalents confirmed via dealer cross-reference listings and Husqvarna's bar & chain combination tables.
72 and 73 chain are both 3/8″ pitch and the boxes look near-identical — but 72 is .050″ gauge and 73 is .058″ gauge. Fit a 73 loop to a bar with a .050″ groove and the drive links will not seat in the groove at all; run a 72 in a .058″ groove and the chain slops side-to-side, wears the bar rails and can derail under load. The same trap exists at .325″ (.050 / .058 / .063) and in Stihl's Picco line (.043 vs .050). Read the gauge off your bar stamp — never guess it from the pitch.
Counting drive links
Drive links are the tang-shaped links on the underside of the chain — the ones that ride inside the bar groove and engage the sprocket. Cutters and tie straps on top do not count.
- Lay the loop flat, or keep it on the bar with the cover off.
- Mark one drive link with chalk or a marker.
- Count every drive link around the loop until you get back to the marked one. Count the marked link once.
- That total is the number on the box: a “72” loop has 72 drive links regardless of brand.
Full verification guide: bar stamps, pitch measurement and gauge checks →
Chain spec pages
Each pitch × gauge combination we have verified on a real saw has its own page with part numbers and the saws that use it: