The present invention relates to a device for automatic grinding of a saw chain (S), which device comprises chain guides (4), means for feeding the saw chain forward along the chain guides (4), means for fixing the saw chain (S) relative to the chain guides (4), and means (5, 11) for supporting a rotatable grinding disc (3) which forms part of the device and which is switchable between two positions for grinding of right links and left links of the saw chain (S). The invention relates also to a method for grinding a saw chain (S). Distinguishing features of the device according to the present invention are that the device comprises a guide element (35), a bracket (14) connected to the support means (5, 11) and rotatably supporting the guide element (35), means (37, 39) for imparting to the guide element (35) a reciprocating movement, contact means (40, 41) attached to the guide element (35), stop means/shoulder surfaces (23,16) attached to/formed on the support means (5, 11) and intended to cooperate with the contact means (40, 41), thereby generating movement of the grinding disc (3) in the longitudinal direction of the saw chain (S), and means (27-30; 25, 35, 38, 39, 42, 43, 44, 45) for raising the grinding disc (3) in order both to allow feeding forward of the saw chain (S) and to place the grinding disc (3) in the grinding position.