Auto Glass: Repair or Replace Verdict

All versions

A small chip fills; a long crack does not. The industry rule of thumb is that damage up to about six inches is repairable and anything longer needs a new windshield. One IF turns the measured length into that verdict.

Quick formula: Compare the damage length to the repair limit:

=IF(B2<=6,"Repair","Replace")

A 2-inch star chip reads Repair; an 8-inch crack reads Replace.

Functions used (tap for the full reference guide):

The example

Three vehicles, each with a measured crack or chip length in inches.

	A	B	C
1	Vehicle	Crack in	Verdict
2	Sedan	2	Repair
3	SUV	8	Replace
4	Truck	5	Repair

The formula

IF checks the length against the six-inch limit and returns the matching word:

=IF(B2<=6,"Repair","Replace") // <= 6 inches repairs; longer replaces

How it works

One test, two outcomes:

B2<=6 asks whether the damage is six inches or shorter.
If true, IF returns "Repair"; if false, it returns "Replace".
Keep the limit as a number you can edit — some shops draw the line at a dollar-bill length instead of six inches.
Text results in quotes are exact, so the verdict is easy to filter, count, or color with conditional formatting.

Location matters too: damage in the driver's line of sight or at the edge of the glass often means replace regardless of length — add that as a second condition.

Try it: interactive demo

Interactive

Enter the measured length of the chip or crack in inches.

Damage length (in)

Variations

Edge cracks always replace

Add an edge flag — damage at the glass edge weakens the whole windshield.

=IF(OR(B2>6,C2="edge"),"Replace","Repair")

Count the replacements

Tally how many jobs are replacements across a list.

=COUNTIF(C2:C20,"Replace")

Pitfalls & errors

Length is not the only factor. Cracks reaching the windshield edge, damage over a sensor, or chips in the driver's sightline usually mean replace even under six inches — the rule is a starting point, not the final word.

Measure the full length of a crack, including any legs that have spread. A star that looks small can have cracks running past the repair limit.

Practice workbook

📊

Download the free Auto Glass: Repair or Replace Verdict practice workbook

Edit the yellow crack-length cells; the repair-or-replace verdict recalculates.

Frequently asked questions

Why six inches?

It is a common industry guideline: chips and cracks up to about six inches (roughly a dollar bill) can usually be filled and cured, while longer cracks compromise the glass enough to warrant replacement. Adjust the limit to your shop's standard.

Can I add the crack location?

Yes — use OR to force a replace when the damage is at the edge, over a camera or sensor, or in the driver's direct sightline, since those fail regardless of length.

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Function references: IF