What Size Chainsaw Do I Need?

You might be wondering, what size chainsaw do I need? If you’ve started researching you may be feeling overwhelmed with the sheer number of options.

To help you choose the right saw for your needs, I’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know. In this guide, I’ll cover the different types of chainsaws available and what each is best suited for, as well as how to select the right size saw for your needs. By the end, you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to choose the perfect chainsaw for your next project.

Chainsaw Size Explained

Chainsaws are not one size fits all. They come in a variety of sizes, meant for different tasks.

Gas powered chainsaws range from 16 inches all the way up to a bar of 72 inches.

If you want to see a seriously humongous chainsaw, check out the Stihl MS 881 in this video.

Do you need something that large or powerful? Probably not, but it is fun to look at.

Most batter chainsaws range from

What Size Chainsaw Do I Need?

In order to find out the size chainsaw you need, it is important to think about what you need it for and what sort of wood you will be cutting. If you need a chainsaw for light work, such as pruning trees or cutting small branches, then a smaller model would be more suitable. If you need a chainsaw for heavy-duty tasks, such as felling trees or cutting thick branches, then you will need a larger model. The size of the saw also depends on the type of wood you will be cutting.

A general rule is that you want a chainsaw that is about two inches longer than whatever you are cutting.

And while it may be tempting to get the largest chainsaw money can buy, there’s no need to wear yourself out working with an unnecessarily oversized chainsaw. Plus, a larger chainsaw often has a higher decibel level, so there’s no reason to unnecessarily stress your ears.

Using the two inch rule, a mini chainsaw will work great for trimming small branches or accomplishing yard tasks.

Whereas a 20-inch or greater chainsaw will be useful for felling large trees.

This video gives a good rundown of chainsaw sizes. And just like I explained, you’ll probably find that you end up using a smaller sized chainsaw the most.

Finding Your Chainsaw Bar Length

The full measurement of the guide bar is often displayed on the side of the blade, in the product manual, or found in the online specifications.

But if you own chainsaw and are unsure of the length, here’s how to measure it:

1. Grab a tape measure and your chainsaw.
2. Carefully measure from the tip of the chain at the furthest end of the bar to the base where the guide bar enters the housing of the engine.
3. Is your measurement an odd number? No worries, just round up to the nearest even number.

Guide to the Proper Chainsaw Size

Still not sure what size chainsaw do I need? Check out this table. Here’s a general guide to the best chainsaw size.

2 Tips to Answer “What Size Chainsaw Do I Need?”

Okay, let’s wrap this up. To summarize, here are 3 tips to help you find the right chainsaw size for the job.

1. Bigger is Not Better

I get it. Giant chainsaws are cool. But they’re usually not needed. 90% of the time I use a 20 inch chainsaw.

2. Two Inches Longer

Choose a saw that is two inches longer than what you are cutting. Yes, you can cut something larger than your chainsaw bar length, but it’s a pain to do that. Save yourself the effort and choose a saw longer than your wood.

The most important thing is chainsaw safety. If you aren’t sure how to use your chainsaw, stop and spend some time learning. If you’re chainsaw is too large or heavy, size down. Wear the proper gear, regularly clean your chainsaw, and have fun out there.