Bicycle Chain Length Calculator
Calculate the length of your bike chain based on the chainring and sprocket sizes.
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 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
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