What Size Chainsaw Do I Need? The Right Size For The Job!

There are many chainsaw sizes available on the market. Whether you’re buying your first chainsaw or replacing an older model, knowing which size chainsaw to buy is important.

So, what size chainsaw do I need? A chainsaw should be 2″ longer than the diameter of the log you intend to cut. However, 16”-20” is the most common chainsaw size.

Depending on the species of wood you’re cutting, you might need a smaller or larger chainsaw than this. So let’s find out which one you need.

How Do I Know What Size Saw Chain I Need?

There are a few things you need to take into consideration when purchasing a saw chain. The size of the bar, the type of wood you’ll be cutting, and the amount of chainsaw use are all important factors. Here’s a quick guide to help you select the right size chain for your needs.

The first thing you need to know is the size of your chainsaw’s bar. This will determine what pitch and gauge (thickness) of chain you need. The most common bar sizes are 16″, 18″, 20″ and 24″.

You can usually find this information printed on the side of the bar or in your saw’s manual. Next, you’ll need to consider what type of wood you’ll be cutting most often. If you’re going to be doing mostly light-duty work like pruning and trimming, then a standard-cutter chain will suffice.

However, if you’re planning on felling trees or cutting through thicker lumber, then you’ll need a low-profile or skip-tooth chain that can handle more abuse. Finally, think about how often you’ll be using your chainsaw. If it’s just for occasional home projects, then a standard cutter will do just fine.

But if you’re a professional logger or arborist who uses their saw daily, then investing in a heavier-duty low-profile or skip tooth chain is worth the extra money since it will last much longer under constant use. Now that you know all this information, selecting the right sized saw chain is easy!

What Size Chainsaw Do You Need?

Your needs will tell you what size will work best for you. Will you cut down or trim huge trees? Are you getting rid of the brush or cutting down trees to use as fuel? Different jobs call for different sizes of chainsaws.

A chainsaw with a 14-inch blade is great for taking care of the property, trimming, pruning, and cutting down fallen tree branches. Otherwise, a smaller bar will do. Small trees, heavy branches, and storm damage all require a 16 “-20” longer bar.

How big of a chainsaw do I need depends on several factors. In the following section, we’ll go into more detail on some of these factors.

• The Size Of Most Projects

The diameter of the wood you are cutting will help you to figure out what size chainsaw you need. Using a chainsaw that is too small or too big for the job may be harder and more dangerous.

Whether you are cutting down small trees or just cutting and trimming branches, it’ll pose a safety risk. Therefore, we recommend choosing a chainsaw bar two inches longer than the diameter of the trees you cut most often.

• Routine Tasks

While choosing the right size chainsaw for your home, think about the tasks you do most often. For light work, you need a smaller model. It’s less than 16 inches long. They are perfect for trimming and light pruning. Chainsaws that are 16 to 18 inches long can cut down big trunks and thick branches.

If you’re in a rural area, you might need an industrial chainsaw. Use a strong chainsaw to cut down trees and shrubs. You can consider a 20 “chainsaw. As you age, it gets harder to use a chainsaw. So, don’t buy a big model just because it looks strong.

It’s hard to do complicated work on big models. Again, if your chainsaw is too small, you won’t be able to do your jobs well.

• Trimming the Branches

Pruning branches in your yard is one of the easiest things on this list, so it shouldn’t take much time or strength. Most branches are less than 8 inches long, so you should use a chainsaw with a blade that is between six and ten inches long. Using smaller chainsaws is easier if you know how to prune the right way.

• Taking Trees Down

As branches are wider than limbs, you’ll need a little more length to finish the job. We suggest using a blade or bar that is 8 to 12 inches long since your 10-inch chainsaw might not be enough for the job. Since branches can sometimes be very thick, bigger blades may be easier to hold and better at cutting.

• Trees That Are Small

Again, you need to think about how thick the tree trunk is before deciding if you should go for a smaller chainsaw or a bigger one. You should always think about at least a 12-inch chainsaw. A 14-inch chainsaw might be better.

• Cutting A Lot Of Trees

Removing trees takes a lot of time and effort, so you’ll need the right tools. You need to make sure that your blade is longer and your engine is more powerful. Depending on how hard you can chop down the tree, the minimum length of the blade for this job is 20 inches or more.

• Personal Experience

No matter how big or hard the job is, you shouldn’t try to do it if you’re not sure about it. Ask for help from experts. It doesn’t matter how big or small the tree is; it will still be a tough job to do.

If you’ve never used a chainsaw before, you should not try to use a big, powerful one now. This will only make it more likely that you will hurt yourself.

On the other hand, you need to be careful with small chainsaws because they could also cause problems for you if you’re cutting big blocks of wood. The best chainsaw for your needs will strike a good balance between power and your own skills. Safety is the most important thing to think about.

Different Sizes of Chainsaws for Different Kind of Jobs

Chainsaws come in different sizes for each job. For the safest cutting, every wood-cutting job needs a chainsaw blade of a certain length. The sizes of chainsaws that are best for each job are listed below.

• Taking Off 6” to 10” Of A Branch

If you mostly want to trim small or thin branches with your chainsaw, then a 6” to 10” chainsaw is the best tool. On the other hand, if the branches are only a few inches thick or even thinner, a small handsaw might be better for the job.

• Branches That Are 8 to 12 Inches Long 

When the branches are cut from bigger trees at home, they are usually 6 to 10 inches thick. To make the job easy and quick, your guide bar should be at least 8 to 12 inches long.

• 12 To 14-inch Model Tree Cutting

You can cut small trees in your yard or garden using a chainsaw that is between 12” and 14” long, depending on how thick the tree trunk is.

• 14” To 16” Splits in Wood

Unless the logs are very big, a 14” to 16” chainsaw is usually enough to split logs into firewood.

• 16” to 18” For Removing Trees

Medium-sized trees with trunks between 14 and 16 inches will need a bigger chainsaw between 16 and 18 inches to be cut down in one easy step.

• Taking Down Big Trees That Are 20 Inches Or Taller

Most of the time, it’s best to let professionals take down big trees. But if you know how to use a bigger chainsaw safely and have used one before then you’re good to go. A guide bar that is at least 20 inches long is needed for this job.

Tips For Choosing the Right Size OF Chainsaw

Consider the diameter of the wood you’ll be cutting most of the time while choosing the right size chainsaw. For example, to cut down a tree with a diameter of 10 inches, you need a chainsaw with a 12-inch bar length.

Here are some tips for choosing the right size of chainsaw: 

• Types of Woods

What size chainsaw do I need to cut down a tree will depend on the type of wood that you intend to cut. Especially for hardwood, a small chainsaw won’t be enough. Because bigger trees have enormous wood and you can’t cut it down with a small chainsaw.

• Your Experience

A small-size saw is preferable for beginners as it’s easy to handle. However, choose the right size of saw for your experience level and if you’re an advanced chainsaw user then go for the bigger saw.

• The Style of Your Cut

You’ve to choose a chainsaw size that will be convenient for the style of your cut. The type of work that you would do determines the size of the chainsaw you’ll use.

In a case where you’ve to make long cuts, then a small-size saw would be better suited compared to a bigger chainsaw.

How Big of a Log Can You Cut With a 14 Inch Chainsaw?

Assuming you are talking about a standard 14″ chainsaw, the maximum log diameter it can handle is around 20-22″. This is of course assuming that the log is lying flat on the ground and you have a good, sharp chain. If the log is lying on its side or perched up on something, your max cut diameter will be less.

And if your chain is dull, your max cut diameter will also be less.

What Size Tree Can You Cut With 18 Inch Chainsaw?

An 18-inch chainsaw is a medium-sized tool that can handle most jobs around the home, including felling small to medium trees. The size of tree you can cut with an 18-inch chainsaw depends on several factors, such as the type of wood, the angle of the cut and the amount of pressure you apply. In general, though, you should be able to fell a tree with a diameter of up to 18 inches using an 18-inch chainsaw.

What is the Most Common Chainsaw Size?

Chainsaw sizes are determined by the length of the bar, which is the metal guide that extends from the chainsaw body and supports the chain. The most common bar size for a chainsaw is 20 inches. This is a versatile size that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as felling small to medium trees, cutting firewood, and pruning branches.

It’s also a good choice for general property maintenance. If you need a saw for more heavy-duty work, like felling large trees or cutting thick logs, you’ll want to choose a saw with a longer bar. Sizes range up to 36 inches, though most homeowners will never need anything that big.

FAQs

Chainsaw Size for a Homeowner, Rancher, Farmer, or Landowner

What Size Chainsaw Do I Need to Cut down a Tree?

When it comes to chainsaws, size does matter. The right sized chainsaw will make the job of cutting down a tree much easier, safer and quicker. So, what size chainsaw do you need to cut down a tree?

The first thing you need to consider is the diameter of the tree trunk. A small chainsaw, such as an 18” or 20” model, is ideal for cutting trees with trunks up to 18” in diameter. For larger trees with diameters greater than 18”, you’ll need a mid-sized or large chainsaw.

Another important factor to consider is the length of the bar on the chainsaw. The bar is the metal rod that extends from the body of the saw and supports the chain. The general rule of thumb is that the bar should be at least 2/3rds as long as the trunk diameter of the tree you’re cutting.

For example, if you’re cutting a 24” diameter tree, then your chainsaw should have a 16” or longer bar. Finally, think about how easy it will be to operate and control your chainsaw while you’re up in a ladder or perched atop a tall stump. If you have any doubts about your ability to handle a larger saw safely, then stick with a smaller model.

It may take slightly longer to cut down your tree but it will be worth it knowing that you can do so safely and without incident.

What Size Chainsaw Do I Need to Cut Firewood?

If you’re looking to cut firewood, the size of chainsaw you’ll need will depend on the type and size of wood you’re cutting. If you’re cutting softwoods like pine or spruce, a smaller chainsaw like a 16″ or 18″ will suffice. However, if you’re dealing with hardwoods like oak or maple, you’ll need a larger saw, such as a 20″ or higher.

Of course, the size of your saw also depends on the thickness of the wood you’re cutting. A smaller saw can handle thinner logs, while a larger saw is needed for thicker ones. As a general rule of thumb, though, it’s best to go with a bigger chainsaw if you can – it’ll make the job easier and quicker.

What Size Chainsaw Engine Do I Need?

Assuming you’re talking about the engine size of a chainsaw, there are a few factors to consider. The size of the bar and chain, the type of wood you’re cutting, and your own strength and stamina are just a few things that will affect what engine size you need. A larger engine will obviously be more powerful, but it will also be heavier and more difficult to handle.

If you’re only going to be doing light work like trimming branches or sawing through small logs, then a smaller engine should suffice. But if you’re planning on felling trees or cutting through large chunks of wood, then you’ll need something with a bit more oomph. The most important thing is to choose an engine size that you feel comfortable handling.

A chainsaw is a dangerous tool, so it’s important to have one that you can control without putting yourself at risk. If you’re unsure about what size to get, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and go for something slightly smaller rather than something too big for you to handle. With experience, you’ll get a better feel for what kind of power you need for different jobs.

Chainsaw Bar Length Recommendations

The length of a chainsaw bar is one of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing a saw. The size of the bar will determine how much cutting power the saw has and how easy it is to maneuver. Most homeowner saws have bars that range from 16 to 20 inches, while professional models can have bars up to 36 inches long.

The general rule of thumb is that the longer the bar, the more powerful the saw. However, longer bars can also be more difficult to control. If you’re not sure what size chainsaw you need, consider what types of projects you’ll be using it for.

If you plan on doing mostly light-duty work like trimming branches or cutting firewood, a smaller bar should suffice. For heavier-duty tasks like felling trees, you’ll need a larger and more powerful saw. When choosing a chainsaw, always err on the side of caution and choose a model with a longer bar than you think you’ll need.

That way, if your project ends up being bigger than anticipated, you won’t be left wishing you had a more powerful tool.

Is a 14 Inch Chainsaw Big Enough

If you’re looking for a chainsaw that can handle most projects around the home, then a 14 inch model is a good choice. These saws are designed for general use, and can cut through wood of all sizes with ease. However, if you’re working on a particularly large project or need to cut through very thick wood, then you may want to consider a larger chainsaw.

But for most people, a 14 inch model will be more than enough power and size.

Final Word

We think the confusion about what size chainsaw do I need is completely gone. Now you know what size chainsaw you need for different kinds of wood-cutting jobs.

The combination of different factors, such as the type of tree, how thick it’s, and your experience help you make the right decision. So, choose a chainsaw according to your experience and the type of work you’ll be doing.