Chain links question

I'm needing to buy a chain but I'm unsure how the sellar even the motorcycle shop counts the links. I've read the internet How To's, but they say both. I've got it figured and read that the links are an even number. But when I buy a chain from ebay are they counting the master link in the 124 links? Or is it the chain only, and the master link is just the splice or connector.

I've seen chains in both 124 and 126 so I couldn't go the route that it has to be right because they don't sell it.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks,
Stacy