An engineering estimation equation for the crack opening displacement(COD) is proposed for a complex cracked pipe, based on the reference stress approach. To define the reference stress, a simple plastic limit load analysis for the complex cracked pipe subjected to combined bending and tension is performed considering the crack closure effect in the compressive-stressed region. Comparison with ten published test data and the results from existing method shows that the present method not only reduces non-conservatism associated with the existing method, but also provides consistent and overall satisfactory results.