Bike Chain Width Chart by Speed

The widths come from the spec sheets for Wippermann connex chains, which publish pin length (the chain’s outer width) and inner width; the compatibility and quick link data come from KMC and Shimano. We cross-checked them against the width ranges BikeGremlin compiles for each number of speeds. Everything was checked in October 2026. Every derailleur bike chain has the same 1/2” pitch (12.7 mm between pins); what changes with the number of speeds is the width.

Chain width by number of speeds

Speeds	Outer width (Wippermann)	Typical range	Inner width	Nominal size (KMC)
6, 7 and 8	7.2 mm	7.0-7.3 mm (8-speed)	2.38 mm	1/2” × 3/32”
9	6.6 mm	6.5-6.7 mm	2.18 mm	1/2” × 11/128”
10	5.9 mm	5.84-6.1 mm	2.18 mm	1/2” × 11/128”
11	5.6 mm	5.46-5.74 mm	2.18 mm	1/2” × 11/128”
12	5.3-5.5 mm	5.15-5.25 mm	2.18 mm	1/2” × 11/128”
13	—	—	—	Specific to each system

The typical range is the cross-brand range BikeGremlin compiles; the inner width is the nominal 3/32” or 11/128” (Wippermann lists 2.4 mm for 8-speed, 2.2 mm for 9 to 11 speeds and 2.1 mm for 12-speed). Wippermann also makes a narrow 8-speed chain (8sX) at 6.6 mm. 13-speed chains are proprietary to each system (SRAM Flattop and T-Type, Campagnolo 13): BikeGremlin cites 4.9 mm for the Campagnolo Ekar chain, but we couldn’t confirm it with the manufacturer, so we’ve left it blank.

Cross-brand compatibility and how to join the chain

Speeds	Can be mixed	Shimano quick link	KMC quick link
6, 7 and 8	Shimano, SRAM and other 8-speed	SM-UG51	CL573R (reusable)
9	Shimano, SRAM and other 9-speed	Not in current catalog	CL566R (reusable)
10	Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo	Not in current catalog	CL559 (single use) or CL559R
11	Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo	SM-CN900-11	CL555 (single use) or CL555R
12	All except SRAM Flattop	SM-CN910-12	CL552, also for Campagnolo 12 (not Flattop)
13	Only the system’s own chain	—	X-Flat for SRAM Flattop and T-Type

SRAM Flattop is SRAM’s own chain profile: KMC and Wippermann expressly exclude their conventional 12-speed chains and links from those drivetrains. For Flattop and T-Type, KMC sells its X-Flat chains.

How to choose and join your chain

Same number of speeds as your cassette. It’s the only hard rule. The chain can be a different brand, but not a different number of speeds.
Quick link or connecting pin. KMC makes quick links from 6 to 12 speeds, and Shimano has them for 6-8, 11 and 12 speeds; for 9 and 10 speeds Shimano has no QUICK-LINK in its current catalog, but KMC links work. Always choose one with the same number of speeds as the chain.
Reusable or not. A single-use link shouldn’t be opened and reinstalled: buy a new one.
Direction. Some 10- to 12-speed chains are directional and have the plates marked to face outward: check the manual.

The right length is calculated with the chain length calculator or found in the chain length chart by chainstay and gearing. To know when to replace it, read our guide on when to replace a bike chain and the one on cleaning and lubing your chain. If you’re changing the number of speeds, also check the freehub body standards and which chain each groupset uses in our guides to Shimano road groupsets and SRAM groupsets; the vocabulary in six languages is in the drivetrain glossary.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use an 11-speed chain on a 10-speed drivetrain?

It's not recommended. An 11-speed chain is about 0.3 mm narrower (5.6 vs. 5.9 mm for Wippermann) and is designed for the cog spacing of an 11-speed cassette. Always use a chain with the same number of speeds as your cassette.

Do KMC or Wippermann chains work with Shimano and SRAM?

Yes, from 8 to 12 speeds. KMC says its 10- and 11-speed X chains are compatible with Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo, and Wippermann says its 12-speed chains work with every 12-speed drivetrain except SRAM Flattop.

How many times can you reuse a quick link?

It depends on the model. KMC makes non-reusable links (with a lip that locks when installed, for one use only) and reusable ones that handle 3 to 5 installs. Check the package or the name: KMC's reusable links have an R.

Sources

Updated October 19, 2026 · Report an error on this page