Choose a saw around the wood you will cut, your experience and the exact bar and chain options its manual approves. STIHL's published examples range from the 16-inch MS 172 at 1.88 bhp and 11.7 pounds with bar and chain to the 20-inch MS 271 at 3.50 bhp and 14.8 pounds with bar and chain, showing how a longer bar can come with more weight and power.
Choose a chainsaw by the work it will do and the weight you can handle throughout a session. Engine power, bar length, saw weight, wood type and operator experience work together.
Start with the wood and the operator
Estimate the usual and largest rounds, identify whether you mainly cut softwood or hardwood, and decide how much wood you process in a typical session. Husqvarna’s buyer guidance says larger saws are generally more powerful and suited to larger tasks; it also recommends smaller, easier-to-maneuver saws for beginners because extra weight can tire the operator.
| Example model | Maker-listed bar | Power | System weight without fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| STIHL MS 172 C-E | 16 in. | 1.88 bhp | 11.7 lb. |
| STIHL MS 271 FARM BOSS | 20 in. | 3.50 bhp | 14.8 lb. |
These are manufacturer examples, not a ranking or a recommendation for every woodpile. STIHL notes that actual cutting length is shorter than the nominal bar length. Variants and compatible bar-and-chain combinations differ, so verify the exact model and manual before buying parts or selecting a saw.
Match bar length to the saw
The guide bar carries and guides the chain. Husqvarna says the suitable length depends on the size of the wood and, to some extent, the user’s experience. A shorter bar is lighter and easier to maneuver; a longer bar is used for larger trees. For firewood, compare the saw’s listed power and weight with the wood you plan to process, then verify that the maker approves the bar and chain combination for that exact model.
Do not treat a bar-length rule as permission to use a specialized cut. STIHL’s safety manual warns that some large-tree felling methods involving a trunk wider than the bar require professional training. This guide covers product selection for firewood, not tree felling or chainsaw technique.
Choose power and operating routine
Gas and battery saws have different fueling, charging and service needs. Choose a power source around the length of your work sessions, access to charging or fuel, noise restrictions and the saw maker’s operating guidance. If the wood comes as rounds, you can compare a lighter setup with more frequent breaks against the added weight and power of a larger saw. If you fell trees yourself, factor in appropriate training and protective equipment before selecting a larger class.
OSHA’s chainsaw safety card calls for hand, foot, leg, eye, face, hearing and head protection. It also advises clearing the chain path, keeping balance, watching for binding wood and avoiding the guide-bar tip to reduce kickback risk. Read the manual before use and seek qualified instruction for work outside your experience.
After bucking, choose a splitter by wood dimensions and work location with the gas vs. electric log splitter comparison. The wood stove sizing guide covers the firebox’s maximum log length. Browse firewood and heating guides.
Sources
Common questions
What size chainsaw is best for cutting firewood?
Match saw power and an approved bar-and-chain combination to the wood species, round size, amount of cutting and your experience. Check the exact model's manual and specifications rather than choosing by bar length alone.
Is a longer chainsaw bar always better for firewood?
No. A longer bar can add weight and may be harder to control, while a shorter one can be easier to maneuver. Choose only among the lengths approved for the exact saw and task.
Should a beginner choose a smaller chainsaw?
Husqvarna recommends that beginners choose a smaller saw that is easier to handle. Its buying guidance also says a heavier saw can tire the arms and hands, affecting safety and productivity.
Can I use a saw-bar length as a safe cutting limit?
Bar length by itself is not a safe-cutting rule. Follow the saw maker's training and manual; specialized large-tree felling cuts are outside this firewood sizing guide.