Standards

BS vs ANSI Roller Chains: Which Standard Do You Need?

Understanding the difference between British Standard and ANSI roller chains and when to use each.

BS vs ANSI Roller Chains: Which Standard Do You Need?

BS (British Standard) and ANSI (American National Standard) roller chains have different dimensional profiles despite similar pitch sizes. Choosing the wrong standard can cause compatibility issues with sprockets and drive systems.

BS chains follow ISO 606 / BS 228 and are commonly specified across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. ANSI chains follow ANSI B29.1 and are the standard in North America and many export markets.

Galaxy Chains manufactures both BS and ANSI series — and our technical team can help you identify the correct standard based on your existing equipment and OEM requirements. Contact us with your chain number for a direct equivalent.