The price of a chainsaw ranges from about $60 for a basic corded model to more than $1,500 for professional gas equipment. Most homeowners spend around $300-$400, with bar length, power source, battery inclusion, and intended workload driving the quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chainsaw purchase | $60 | $350 | $1,500+ | Basic corded through professional gas models |
| Battery chainsaw kit | $150 | $300 | $700 | Price depends on battery capacity and charger |
| Gas chainsaw | $150 | $450 | $1,500+ | Homeowner and commercial power levels |
| Protective gear and basics | $40 | $120 | $300 | Chaps, helmet, gloves, oil, and sharpening tools |
What homeowners pay for a 14- to 20-inch chainsaw
For routine pruning and cutting small firewood, a corded electric saw usually costs $60-$150, while a battery model with one battery and charger is commonly $150-$450. Homeowner gas saws with 14- to 20-inch bars generally cost $150-$600. Larger or professional-grade gas saws can exceed $1,000.
A practical homeowner budget is $250-$500 for a capable saw and basic operating supplies. That estimate assumes a reputable midrange model, standard bar length, and ordinary retail availability; it excludes extensive safety equipment and extra batteries. Entry-level tools can cost less, but may be a poor match for frequent cutting or thick hardwood.
Assumptions: U.S. retail prices, standard equipment, no delivery, and no local sales tax. Prices vary by brand, seasonal discounts, and whether the listed product is a tool-only sale or a complete kit.
How the bar, battery, and safety gear shape the receipt
A chainsaw quote can cover more than the powerhead. Battery kits may include a charger and battery, while lower advertised prices sometimes include the bare tool only. Gas models often include a bar and chain but may require fuel mix, bar oil, and protective equipment before first use.
| Purchase component | Typical price | What changes the amount | Budget note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chainsaw tool | $60-$1,500+ | Power source, motor, and quality tier | Professional gas models cost most |
| Battery and charger | $80-$300 | Battery capacity and kit contents | Tool-only listings omit these |
| Replacement chain | $15-$40 | Bar length, pitch, and chain type | Check compatibility before buying |
| Safety equipment | $40-$200 | Chaps, helmet, eye and hearing protection | Higher-quality sets cost more |
| Oil and sharpening tools | $15-$60 | Consumable quantity and tool type | Recurring upkeep expense |
Compare complete kits rather than headline tool prices. A $200 bare-tool battery saw may cost more at checkout than a $300 kit once a compatible battery and charger are added. Sales tax can add roughly 0%-10% depending on the buyer’s location.
Bar length and engine size change the chainsaw price
Bar length is a useful first comparison: 10- to 14-inch saws typically handle pruning and small limbs, while 16- to 20-inch bars suit many homeowner firewood and storm-cleanup jobs. Models with 20-inch bars or more usually need greater power and may cost $300-$1,000 or higher. A longer bar is not automatically a better value if the work involves only small branches.
Gas power is commonly listed by engine displacement in cubic centimeters (cc); homeowner models often fall around 30-50 cc, while larger professional saws may exceed 60 cc. Battery models are compared by voltage and amp-hours instead. Higher capacity can improve runtime, but a spare battery may add $80-$250.
Choose a bar suited to the usual wood diameter, not the occasional largest cut. Hardwoods, repeated heavy cutting, and extended daily use justify a more powerful saw; light seasonal work rarely needs the premium tier. Cutting oversized logs can also require additional technique and equipment, not simply a longer bar.
Battery, corded, and gas saws at comparable sizes
For a 14- to 16-inch bar, corded electric models are often the least expensive at $60-$200, but the extension cord limits reach. Battery saws commonly cost $180-$500 for a usable kit and offer easier startup and less routine engine maintenance. Gas models in a similar size range often run $200-$600 and provide fuel-based portability, with added fuel and maintenance needs.
The lowest purchase price may not be the lowest cost for the intended workload. A corded saw can be economical near an outlet, while a battery system makes more sense when the buyer already owns compatible batteries. Gas can be a practical choice for remote or sustained cutting, but fuel, oil, and tune-ups add ownership expense.
Three chainsaw budgets for different cutting jobs
For occasional pruning, a 12-inch corded model priced at $100 plus $60 in chaps, gloves, and eye protection brings the initial budget to about $160 before tax. This assumes the buyer already has a suitable outdoor-rated extension cord and will not cut large logs.
A homeowner cutting firewood several times each season might choose an 18-inch gas saw at $380, add $100 for basic protective equipment and sharpening supplies, and spend about $480 before tax. A typical first setup also needs fuel mix and bar oil, often another $15-$30.
For regular remote work, a 16-inch battery saw and a second battery could total $550-$800, depending on brand and kit. A professional 20-inch gas model may instead cost $700-$1,300 before higher-grade protective gear. These examples are equipment budgets, not quotes for tree removal or hired cutting labor.
Extra chains, sharpening, and service add to ownership cost
A spare chain generally costs $15-$40, and a sharpening file or basic kit can cost $10-$30. Professional chain sharpening is often about $10-$25 per chain, while repair shops may charge $50-$100 per hour for diagnostics and labor, sometimes with a minimum fee. Rates and minimums vary by shop and region.
Gas-saw upkeep can include spark plugs, air filters, fuel lines, and seasonal servicing; routine parts may add $20-$80 a year for occasional use. Battery saws avoid engine tune-ups, but replacement batteries can cost $80-$250 or more. Regular chain sharpening and correct lubrication help avoid avoidable wear and poor cutting performance.
Ways to lower the chainsaw price without undersizing
Match the bar to routine work, and compare the total kit price across retailers. If compatible batteries are already available, a tool-only listing may save money; otherwise, compare the battery and charger cost before choosing it. For infrequent light cutting, a corded saw can avoid battery expenses, provided the work stays within safe cord reach.
Consider a reputable previous-season model if replacement parts and service remain available. Avoid paying extra for professional power or a long bar that the work does not require, but do not cut the budget by skipping protective equipment. Compare at least three quotes or itemized listings with the same bar length, power source, and included accessories.
For a used saw, inspect the chain brake, throttle lock, bar, chain, and starting behavior before purchase. A low asking price can be offset by a worn bar, damaged chain, or hard-to-find parts. Ask for the exact model number and confirm that replacement chains and common service parts are available locally.