The invention relates to a saw chain depth gauge filing template (1), comprising a first flat section (2) and a second flat section (3), wherein both sections (2, 3) are made from a single piece of flat metal, especially from sheet metal, wherein the first flat section (2) has a first bearing surface (4) for a cutter link edge (5) of a saw chain (6) to be filed, wherein the second flat section (3) has second bearing surfaces (7) for a drive link (8) of the saw chain (6), wherein the second surfaces (7) are established by an linear edge (9) in which at least two incisions (10, 11; 10, 11) are machined, wherein the second flat section (3) has at least one cutout (12, 12) for a part of the saw chain (6) to be sharpened by filing. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for sharpening a saw chain by using such a saw chain depth gauge filing template. By the proposed concept filing of a saw chain becomes possible in a more precise way.