Bicycle Chain Length Calculator
Calculate the correct bike chain length in links or inches using the standard formula. Enter your chainstay length, chainring, and cassette size for precise results.
0.00 inches
Total Chain Length
0
Number of Links
Adjust according to manufacturer's guidelines and specific bike requirements.
Find The Perfect Chain For Your Bike
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About the Bicycle Chain Length Calculator
Learn more about the calculator and its creator
Jonas
I'm a software developer and bike enthusiast from Germany. I created this chain length calculator to help cyclists find the perfect chain length for their bike because I couldn't find a good one when I started cycling and bought the wrong chain length one too many times.
How to Use the Bike Chain Length Calculator
Enter your chainstay length, largest front chainring teeth, and largest rear sprocket teeth to calculate the correct chain length for your bike. The calculator provides both the total length in inches and the recommended number of links.
The Chain Length Formula
Where L is chain length in inches, C is chainstay length, F is largest front chainring teeth, and R is largest rear sprocket teeth. For the complete formula breakdown, see our chain length formula guide.
Input Parameters
- Chainstay Length: Distance from bottom bracket center to rear axle center
- Largest Front Chainring: Tooth count on your biggest chainring
- Largest Rear Sprocket: Tooth count on your biggest cassette cog
Output
- Chain Length: Total length in inches (and centimeters)
- Number of Links: Recommended links, rounded to nearest even number
Important Notes
- This calculation provides an estimate. Always verify with a practical test.
- Full suspension bikes need extra chain length for suspension compression.
- When in doubt, err on the side of a slightly longer chain.
Related Cycling Calculators
- Gear Ratio Calculator: Calculate gear inches and chain angle for your drivetrain
- Crank Length Calculator: Find the optimal crank length for your bike
- Cycling Speed Calculator: Calculate speed based on cadence and gearing
Related Chain Length Guides
Explore our comprehensive guides to get your chain length right:
- How To Calculate Bike Chain Length: Step-by-step guide with worked examples
- Bike Chain Length Chart: Quick reference tables for road, gravel, and mountain bikes
- Chain Length Formula Explained: Full derivation and why each component matters
- How To Measure Chainstay Length: Get accurate measurements for the formula
- Is Your Chain Too Long or Too Short?: Diagnose and fix chain length problems
- How To Shorten A Bike Chain: Chain tool guide for adjusting length
- 1x vs 2x vs 3x Chain Length: How drivetrain type affects chain sizing
- Full Suspension MTB Chain Length: Account for suspension travel
- Single Speed and Fixed Gear Chain Length: Sizing without a derailleur
- When To Replace Bike Chain: Chain wear guide and replacement timing
- Bike Chain Compatibility Guide: Match chain to your drivetrain speed
- Bike Chain Maintenance: Cleaning and lubrication tips
- Best Bike Chains: Top picks for road, MTB, and gravel
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard bike chain length formula is L = 2 × C + (F + R) / 4 + 1, where L is chain length in inches, C is chainstay length in inches, F is the largest front chainring teeth, and R is the largest rear sprocket teeth. To convert to links, divide by 0.5 and round up to the nearest even number.
Most bike chains need between 104-120 links depending on your bike type. Road bikes typically need 106-112 links, gravel bikes 110-114 links, and mountain bikes 112-122 links. The exact number depends on your chainstay length, chainring size, and cassette range.
To check if your chain is too short, shift to the largest chainring and largest rear cog - if the derailleur is fully extended and the chain is extremely taut, it's too short. To check if it's too long, shift to the smallest chainring and smallest cog - if the chain sags or touches the derailleur cage, it's too long.
Yes, most new chains come with 114-126 links and need to be shortened to fit your specific bike. Use our chain length calculator to determine exactly how many links you need, then use a chain tool to remove the excess links before installation.
Yes, incorrect chain length directly impacts shifting quality. A chain that's too long causes sloppy shifting and chain slap, while a chain that's too short can damage your derailleur and prevent you from using your largest gear combinations.
What is the formula for bike chain length?
How many links should a bike chain have?
How do I know if my bike chain is too long or too short?
Do I need to shorten a new bike chain?
Does chain length affect shifting?
Helpful Guides
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