A 16-inch necklace measures 40.5–40.6 cm around the neck, while a “16-inch” chainsaw chain is defined by bar length plus pitch, gauge, and drive-link count — not inches alone.
Same label, two different answers. A 16-inch necklace is a fixed fact: full circumference sits at the base of the throat and collarbone. A 16-inch chainsaw chain is not — that number describes the guide bar, and the chain is sold by three separate specs. Order wrong and it won’t seat on the bar or won’t cut at all.
How Long Is a 16 Inch Necklace in Centimeters?
A 16-inch necklace equals 40.64 cm by standard conversion, which jewelry makers round to 40–41 cm.
Length is the full circumference of the chain, not the vertical drop. That matters when comparing listings — a “16-inch” chain from two makers can hang nearly identically even when decimal conversions differ.
It sits at the base of the throat, sometimes called choker or collarbone length — the classic everyday layering length: long enough to clear the collarbone, short enough to stay put under a collar.
What Does “16 Inch” Mean on a Chainsaw Chain?
On a chainsaw, “16 inch” almost always means bar length, not the chain’s sizing specs. The chain you need is identified by three parts: pitch, gauge, and drive-link count. Order by bar inches alone and you’re guessing — check the bar stamp or chain packaging before buying.
- Pitch — distance between drive links. Count three consecutive rivets and divide that span by two. Common: 1/4 in.,.325 in., 3/8 in.,.404 in.
- Gauge — thickness of the drive link riding in the bar groove. Common:.043 in. (1.1 mm),.050 in. (1.3 mm),.058 in. (1.5 mm),.063 in. (1.6 mm).
- Drive links — count of every toothed link, the chain’s real length spec.
How Do You Match a Chain to Your Saw?
Read the three specs off the old chain or bar stamp, then buy to that exact triplet. The University of Georgia’s field report on chainsaw chains and bars lays out the full method.
- Remove the chain and count every drive link — that’s your chain length.
- Measure pitch across three rivets, divide by two.
- Measure gauge by checking drive-link thickness, or read the bar stamp.
- Confirm the triplet — pitch / gauge / drive links — against the bar stamp before ordering.
Most common mistake: ordering by bar inches alone. Second: confusing bar length with chain length. A chain with the right length but wrong pitch or gauge won’t fit safely, and a wrong gauge won’t seat in the bar groove.
| Spec | Common Values | How to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | 1/4 in.,.325 in., 3/8 in.,.404 in. | Three rivets ÷ 2 |
| Gauge | .043,.050,.058,.063 in. | Drive-link thickness or bar stamp |
| Drive links | 55–58 for most 16 in. bars | Count every link |
| Bar length | 16 in. (nominal) | Bar stamp or tape measure |
Pitch must match the drive sprocket and bar tip; gauge must match the bar groove width. Husqvarna’s chain guide notes sizing should always be verified from the chain’s own measurements, since pitch and gauge combinations vary by saw and bar. For a shortcut to verified picks, our roundup of tested 16-inch chains lists the exact spec triplets for each.
Which Measurement Are You Actually Shopping For?
A 16-inch necklace has one spec: 40.5–40.6 cm of chain. A 16-inch chainsaw chain has four: bar length, pitch, gauge, and drive links. For a necklace, buy by inches and centimeters. For a saw, buy by the full triplet and treat the bar number only as a starting filter.
FAQs
Is a 16-inch necklace the same as a choker?
Not exactly. A choker typically runs 14 to 16 inches and sits high on the neck, while a 16-inch chain often falls at the base of the throat or on the collarbone. Landing depends on neck size, so a 16-inch chain reads as choker-length on some people and collarbone-length on others.
Can I use any 16-inch chain on a 16-inch bar?
No. Bar length is just a starting filter. The chain must also match pitch, gauge, and drive-link count, all lining up with your bar and sprocket. A chain with correct length but wrong pitch or gauge can be unsafe or won’t fit at all.
Where do I find a chainsaw’s pitch and gauge?
Check the bar stamp first — most bars print pitch, gauge, and recommended drive-link count on the metal near the sprocket. If worn, measure pitch across three rivets and divide by two, then measure drive-link thickness with calipers for gauge.
References & Sources
- Tiffany & Co. “Necklaces & Pendants Size Guide.” Confirms 16 in = 40.50 cm for necklace sizing.
- University of Georgia CAES Field Report. “Chainsaw Chains and Bars.” Supplies pitch, gauge, and drive-link measurement method.
- Husqvarna. “Chainsaw Chain Guide.” Notes that pitch and gauge combinations vary by saw and bar.