Repair vs Replace Calculator
Something broke. Find out whether repairing it or buying new actually costs less, month for month.
Fill in the fields above to see your answer.
If it lasts longer or shorter than expected
The verdict depends heavily on how long the repaired item actually lasts. Here's how it changes:
| If it lasts | Cost / month (repaired) | Cost / month (new) | Better option |
|---|
How this calculator works
Both options get converted to a single comparable number: cost per month. Repair cost is spread over however long the item is expected to keep working after the fix. The price of a new item — minus whatever you could get for selling the old one — is spread over its expected lifespan. Whichever option has the lower cost per month is the better deal.
We also calculate a break-even point: the minimum number of months the repaired item needs to keep working for the repair to actually pay off. If you're confident it'll last longer than that, repairing is the safer bet. If you suspect it won't, replacing may be worth the extra upfront cost.
What this doesn't account for
- The hassle, downtime, or inconvenience of being without the item during repair or replacement.
- Warranty coverage, which can change the effective repair or replacement cost.
- Non-financial factors like sentimental value or newer features you'd gain by replacing.
- Uncertainty — expected lifespans are estimates, not guarantees, which is why the scenario table above matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the calculator compare repair and replacement costs?
Both options are converted to a monthly cost. The repair cost is amortized over the expected remaining lifespan after the fix. The replacement price — minus the resale value of the old item — is amortized over the new item's expected life. Whichever works out to a lower cost per month is the better financial choice.
What is the break-even point in repair vs replace?
The break-even is how many months the repaired item needs to keep working for the repair to pay off versus buying new. If the repaired item lasts longer than the break-even, repair wins. Use the scenario table to see how the verdict changes across a range of lifespans.
Should I include the item's resale value?
Yes, if you plan to sell or trade in the old item. The resale value reduces the net cost of buying new, making replacement relatively cheaper. If the broken item has no resale value, leave that field at zero.
What if the expected lifespans are uncertain?
Use the scenario table to see how the verdict shifts at different lifespans. The break-even point tells you the minimum life the repaired item needs — anything above that and repair wins. Real lifespans are always estimates, so the table is more useful than any single figure.