Stihl Chainsaw Engine Displacements (Size Chart)

STIHL chainsaw displacement ranges from 30.1 cc in the compact MS 170 to 121.6 cc in the MS 881. More cc generally means greater engine capacity, but it does not choose the right saw by itself. Match displacement to wood size, workload, and your skill, then confirm the exact model’s approved bar and chain in its manual.

If model names, engine sizes, and bar lengths are starting to blur together, you can simplify the decision. First estimate the size and type of wood you will cut, then decide how often you will work. Use the chart below to narrow the choices, not to approve a setup: STIHL’s exact model manual is the final check for bar and chain fit.

Displacement is the volume swept by an engine’s piston, measured in cubic centimeters, or cc. It is a useful way to compare engine size, but it does not show every factor that affects cutting performance. Saw design, chain condition, bar length, wood, and operating technique matter too.

STIHL displacement chart by model

This chart gives the engine displacement, typical U.S. bar range, and general work associated with seven common STIHL gasoline saws. These ranges are guides, not fit guarantees. Model versions and market specifications can differ, so check the manual for your exact saw before choosing or changing a bar or chain.

*Approximate U.S. ranges; not a guarantee that every bar in the range is approved for every version. Verify bar length, mount, pitch, gauge, drive-link count, and chain type in the exact saw’s STIHL manual.

The chart shows why “more cc” is not a complete buying rule. A 50.2 cc MS 261 C-M and a 59.0 cc MS 362 C-M sit close in displacement, yet workload and the approved equipment for each model still guide the choice. A longer bar also places more load on a saw; it does not make a smaller engine suitable for a larger cut.

How to match displacement to your cutting workload

Displacement should be one part of your decision, alongside the wood, cut size, hours of use, and operator experience. A saw that suits occasional small firewood may be tiring or slow for long production days. A high-power model may be unnecessary for light property work and calls for suitable training and handling.

Consider these practical scenarios:

• Small branches and occasional small firewood: The MS 170’s 30.1 cc engine is the compact option in this chart. Its listed typical bar range is 12–16 inches, but confirm the approved setup for the exact model.
• Regular homeowner firewood: The MS 250 at 45.4 cc is listed for firewood and occasional property work, with a typical 16–18-inch range. Wood size and frequency still matter.
• Frequent firewood, limbing, or general forestry: The 50.2 cc MS 261 C-M and 59.0 cc MS 362 C-M are professional models in the chart. Compare your expected cuts and work hours rather than choosing by displacement alone.
• Large timber and production work: The MS 462 C-M, MS 661 C-M, and MS 881 offer higher displacements. Their listed workloads also require appropriate experience; a larger saw is not a shortcut to safe or effective cutting.

Hardwood, long bars, dirty or oversized wood, and continuous work increase the demand on the saw and operator. If your work regularly falls into those conditions, size for the real workload and confirm the manufacturer-approved setup. Do not use a saw’s maximum listed bar length as proof that it is the best choice for routine cutting.

Bar, chain, and displacement: what must match

Displacement does not set chain pitch or gauge. Pitch describes the spacing between chain drive links, while gauge is the thickness of the drive link that fits the bar groove. Both must match the bar and the saw’s approved chain specification; physical fit alone does not establish that a combination is suitable.

Before buying a bar or replacement chain, check the saw’s manual and the markings on the existing bar. Confirm:

• Bar length and mount: The bar must be approved for that model and fit its mounting system.
• Chain pitch and gauge: These must match the bar and the approved saw setup. Common STIHL systems include 3/8-inch low-profile and .325-inch pitch, but neither is determined by engine cc.
• Drive-link count and chain type: Match the exact bar specification and saw manual. A chain with the wrong count may not tension correctly.
• Oil delivery and operating limits: Lubrication, idle speed, and maximum speed are model-specific. Follow the manual rather than assuming a universal oil flow or RPM setting.

A chain’s depth-gauge setting is also chain-specific. A 0.025-inch (0.635 mm) setting is common on many STIHL chains, but check the chain’s own specification and use the correct gauge tool. Do not lower depth gauges by guesswork.

Equipment setup and safety preparation

A safe setup begins with a saw in sound condition and a work area you have assessed. Check the chain brake, throttle lockout, chain catcher, handles, chain tension, bar, and chain before starting. Wear a helmet, eye and face protection, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw leg protection, and boots.

Establish escape routes and keep bystanders outside an exclusion zone. Look for lean, hung-up branches, overhead hazards, unstable footing, and other risks before cutting. Follow applicable ANSI Z133 work practices; OSHA 1910.266 applies where its logging scope covers the work.

Start the saw on stable ground, using the model’s cold- or warm-start procedure. Engage the chain brake as directed, keep the bar clear, and check that the chain stays still at idle. Never drop-start the saw or start it with the chain touching wood.

Rotational kickback can happen when the upper quadrant of the bar nose hits wood or another object. The bar can then rise sharply toward the operator. Keep the nose clear, use a functioning chain brake and a low-kickback-compatible setup, and avoid plunge cuts unless trained and equipped for them. Do not cut above shoulder height.

Field cutting and workload checks

Match the cut to the saw’s power, approved bar, and your training. Use a sharp, correctly tensioned chain and maintain firm two-handed control with a stable stance. Plan each cut for the wood’s tension and compression, and keep the bar nose away from objects that could trigger kickback.

For felling or elevated tree work, use appropriate training, controls, and equipment. These tasks are not made safe simply by choosing a higher-displacement saw. If the wood, position, or cut is beyond your skill, stop and get qualified help.

A dull chain is not a reason to press harder or hold the throttle longer. Stop, inspect the chain, and sharpen or replace it as needed. This protects the saw from avoidable strain and helps preserve control.

Fuel, maintenance, and seasonal care

The STIHL gasoline models in the chart are two-stroke saws. Use a 50:1 gasoline-to-STIHL two-stroke oil mix, or the specified premix, and follow the exact model manual and fuel-product instructions. This ratio is for engine fuel, not bar oil. For U.S. gasoline, STIHL specifies a minimum of 89 AKI and no more than 10% ethanol.

After cutting, engage the chain brake, shut down the saw, and let it cool before refueling or servicing. Refuel away from ignition sources. Clean the cooling fins, clutch cover, bar groove, and oil ports, and inspect the saw for damage. Retension the chain only as the manual directs.

Verify that the automatic lubrication system works; do not assume a universal flow rate or oil viscosity. For storage, follow the manual’s directions for fuel and saw preparation. Keep the saw clean and store it where it cannot be reached by children or damaged.

Frequently asked questions

These short answers clarify how to read displacement, compare models, and confirm a usable bar-and-chain setup. They are general guidance, not a substitute for the model-specific manual. Check that manual whenever model versions, market specifications, or replacement parts may differ.

What is the smallest STIHL saw in this chart?
The MS 170 is the smallest listed, with 30.1 cc displacement.

What displacement is the STIHL MS 250?
The MS 250 has 45.4 cc displacement.

How many cc is the MS 261 C-M?
The MS 261 C-M has 50.2 cc displacement.

How many cc is the MS 362 C-M?
The MS 362 C-M has 59.0 cc displacement.

How many cc is the MS 462 C-M?
The MS 462 C-M has 72.2 cc displacement.

What is STIHL’s largest-displacement saw in this chart?
The MS 881 has 121.6 cc displacement. It is listed for specialized oversize-timber work.

Does higher cc always mean faster cutting?
No. Displacement is only one factor. Wood, chain sharpness, bar length, saw design, and technique affect cutting performance.

Does displacement determine chain pitch or gauge?
No. Match pitch, gauge, drive-link count, and chain type to the bar markings and the exact saw’s approved specification.

Can I use any bar within the listed range?
No. The ranges are approximate guides, not a fit guarantee. Confirm the exact bar, mount, and chain combination in the saw’s manual.

What fuel mix do the gasoline models use?
STIHL specifies a 50:1 gasoline-to-two-stroke-oil mix for these gasoline models, or the specified premix. Check the manual and use suitable fuel; bar oil is separate.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Elliott Fowler. Visit our Meet the Team page.)