Bike Chain Length Chart

The link counts come from the same calculation as our chain length calculator: the exact length of chain wrapped around the big chainring and big cog, without running through the derailleur, rounded to an even number, plus the links each manufacturer calls for. The chainstay is the distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the center of the rear axle; you’ll find it in your frame’s geometry chart, almost always in millimeters.

Road and gravel with two chainrings

Big-big plus 2 links, the Shimano and SRAM method for 2× drivetrains.

Big chainring × big cog	400 mm (15.7 in)	405 mm (15.9 in)	410 mm (16.1 in)	415 mm (16.3 in)	420 mm (16.5 in)	425 mm (16.7 in)	430 mm (16.9 in)
50 × 28	106	106	106	108	108	110	110
50 × 30	106	108	108	108	110	110	112
50 × 32	108	108	108	110	110	112	112
50 × 34	108	110	110	110	112	112	112
52 × 30	108	108	108	110	110	112	112
52 × 34	110	110	110	112	112	114	114
53 × 30	108	108	110	110	112	112	112
48 × 33	106	108	108	110	110	110	112
48 × 36	108	108	110	110	112	112	112
46 × 36	108	108	108	110	110	112	112
48 × 34	108	108	108	110	110	112	112

1× gravel and mountain bikes, rigid frame

Big-big plus 4 links, Shimano’s method for 12-speed 1× and SRAM’s for Eagle AXS and XPLR on frames without rear suspension.

Big chainring × big cog	420 mm (16.5 in)	425 mm (16.7 in)	430 mm (16.9 in)	435 mm (17.1 in)	440 mm (17.3 in)	445 mm (17.5 in)	450 mm (17.7 in)
38 × 42	112	112	112	114	114	116	116
40 × 42	112	112	114	114	116	116	116
40 × 44	114	114	114	116	116	118	118
42 × 44	114	114	116	116	118	118	118
40 × 46	114	114	116	116	118	118	118
38 × 51	116	116	118	118	118	120	120
40 × 51	116	118	118	120	120	120	122
30 × 51	112	112	114	114	116	116	116
32 × 51	112	114	114	116	116	116	118
34 × 51	114	114	116	116	118	118	118
30 × 52	112	114	114	114	116	116	118
32 × 52	114	114	116	116	116	118	118
34 × 52	114	116	116	116	118	118	120

How to read the chart

Full suspension. With Shimano, measure with the suspension fully extended and add 2 links to the chart (big-big + 6). With SRAM Eagle AXS, compress the shock to the point where the axle sits farthest from the bottom bracket and measure big-big + 2; the chainstay length changes through the travel, so the chart doesn’t apply: use the calculator or check on the bike.
SRAM Eagle Transmission (T-Type). It doesn’t use this method: SRAM publishes its own chart by chainstay length and chainring, or the AXS app works it out.
Your chainstay isn’t listed. Use the next column up: with 412 mm, the 415 column. Every 5 mm of chainstay adds less than one link, so the result barely changes.
New chain. They come with 114 to 126 links. Count the number the chart gives you, mark the spot and cut; the quick link (QUICK-LINK or PowerLock), if it has one, counts toward the total.
Classic formula. The old shop formula, 2 × chainstay + (chainring + cog) ÷ 4 + 1, in inches, almost always matches the two-chainring chart; with cogs larger than 42 teeth it comes up short, which is why manufacturers ask you to use their method.

Before you cut, check on the bike: in the big chainring and big cog, the derailleur shouldn’t be stretched taut toward the front; in the small chainring and small cog, the chain shouldn’t sag. If shifting isn’t crisp with the new chain, review how to adjust a rear derailleur. If your current chain is stretched, replace it in time: when to do it is in our guide on when to replace a bike chain. To choose chainrings and cogs, see the gear ratio chart.

Frequently asked questions

How many links does a 50/34 road chain with an 11-34 cassette need?

With a 410 mm chainstay, 110 links. With 400 mm, 108, and with 420-430 mm, 112. New chains usually come with 114 to 126 links and have to be cut down.

How many links for a 1× MTB with a 32t chainring and a 10-52 cassette?

On a hardtail with a 435 mm chainstay, 116 links using the Shimano or SRAM Eagle AXS method. That doesn't apply to SRAM Eagle Transmission, which has its own chart.

Does a bike chain have to have an even number of links?

Yes: a chain alternates inner and outer links, so the total is always even. That's why the chart only gives even numbers and, if you're between two, the manufacturer's method rounds up.

Sources

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