Paint Correction Cost Calculator
Estimate paint correction cost based on vehicle size, correction level, and hourly rate. Budget for single-stage, two-stage, or multi-stage polishing.
PDR Dent Repair Cost Calculator
Estimate paintless dent repair (PDR) cost based on dent size, quantity, and location. Compare PDR vs traditional body shop pricing.
$
$
Estimated PDR Cost⧉
$276.00
3 dents @ $100.00 each
Cost Per Dent (adjusted)⧉
$100.00
Size ×1 · Location ×1
Volume Discount⧉
$24.00
8% multi-dent discount applied
Body Shop Estimate⧉
$772.80
Traditional repair + repaint (~2.8× PDR)
PDR Savings⧉
$496.80
Save 0.64% vs body shop
Out of Pocket⧉
$276.00
Below deductible — pay out of pocket
PDR vs Body Shop Comparison
PDR
$276.00
Body Shop
$772.80
Per-Dent Breakdown
| Dent # | Base | + Size Adj | + Location Adj | Final (w/ discount) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $100.00 | $100.00 | $100.00 | $92.00 |
| 2 | $100.00 | $100.00 | $100.00 | $92.00 |
| 3 | $100.00 | $100.00 | $100.00 | $92.00 |
PDR Cost Reference Guide
| Dent Size | Count | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Dime (< 1 in) | 1 | $50 – $80 |
| Nickel (1 in) | 1 | $75 – $125 |
| Quarter (1–2 in) | 1 | $100 – $175 |
| Half Dollar (2–3 in) | 1 | $150 – $300 |
| Baseball (3+ in) | 1 | $200 – $450 |
| Hail (mixed) | 5–15 | $500 – $2,500 |
Planning notes, formulas, and examples
About the PDR Dent Repair Cost Calculator
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a technique for removing minor dents, dings, and hail damage without repainting. A skilled technician uses specialized tools to push the metal back to its original shape from behind the panel, preserving the factory paint.
PDR is significantly cheaper than traditional body shop repair because it eliminates painting, body filler, and blending. A small door ding costs $75–$150 with PDR vs $300–$500 at a body shop. However, PDR has limitations: it only works on dents without paint damage, sharp creases, or very large areas.
This calculator estimates PDR cost based on dent size, number of dents, and location on the vehicle. Difficult-to-access locations and larger dents cost more.
When This Page Helps
PDR pricing varies by technician and region. Understanding the cost factors (size, quantity, location) helps you evaluate quotes and decide between PDR and traditional body work for your vehicle.
How to Use the Inputs
- Enter the base cost per dent for your dent size category.
- Enter the number of dents.
- Enter a location multiplier (1.0 for easy access, up to 1.5 for difficult areas).
- View the estimated total PDR cost.
- Compare against a traditional body shop estimate.
Formula used
Cost Per Dent (adjusted) = Base Cost × Location Multiplier
Total PDR Cost = Cost Per Dent × Number of DentsExample Calculation
Result: $450
Base: $125/dent for nickel-to-quarter size. Location: roof line (1.2× multiplier). Per dent: $125 × 1.2 = $150. Total: $150 × 3 = $450. Body shop estimate for the same: $900–$1,500.
Tips & Best Practices
- Small door dings (dime-size): $75–$100. Quarter-size: $100–$175. Baseball-size: $175–$350.
- Hail damage packages ($1,000–$4,000) are usually cheaper per dent than individual pricing.
- PDR preserves your factory paint, which maintains resale value better than repainted panels.
- Mobile PDR technicians come to you, often at the same price as a fixed shop.
- PDR doesn't work on: sharp creases, dents with paint damage, aluminum panels (sometimes), or very large dents.
- Get 3 PDR quotes — pricing can vary 30–50% between technicians.
PDR Pricing by Dent Size
Dime-size (0.5”): $75–$100. Nickel-size (0.75”): $85–$125. Quarter-size (1”): $100–$175. Half-dollar (1.2”): $125–$200. Golf-ball (1.7”): $175–$300. Baseball (3”): $250–$500. Larger: may require body shop.
Location Difficulty Multipliers
Easy (1.0×): flat door panels, front fender, hood center. Moderate (1.2×): near body lines, rear quarter, trunk. Difficult (1.5×): roof center, A/B/C pillars, near edges and seams. Very difficult (1.5×+): double-panel areas, limited access.
When PDR Won't Work
PDR has limitations. Paint is cracked or chipped. Dent has a sharp crease or fold. Dent is on a body line. Panel is aluminum (some techs can do it). Previous body work (filler) in the area. Dent is extremely large (6”+).
Insurance and PDR
Most comprehensive policies cover PDR for hail damage minus your deductible. Some insurers prefer PDR because it's cheaper. Filing a hail claim typically doesn't increase rates (it's a comprehensive, not collision, claim). Get a PDR estimate before contacting insurance.
Sources & Methodology
Last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
Small dings (dime-size): $75–$100 each. Medium dents (quarter-size): $100–$175. Large dents (golf ball): $175–$350. Very large dents may not be PDR candidates. Volume discounts apply for multiple dents.
Yes. PDR restores the metal to its original shape. It's a permanent repair that preserves the factory paint. The repaired area is indistinguishable from undamaged panels when done by a skilled technician.
PDR is the preferred method for hail damage repair. Most hail dents are small, round, and don't damage the paint — ideal for PDR. Full hail damage repair costs $1,000–$4,000+ depending on severity and coverage.
PDR: preserves factory paint, faster (1–4 hours), cheaper (50–70% less), no color matching issues. Body shop: necessary for dents with paint damage, sharp creases, very large areas, or aluminum/plastic panels.
Yes. Easy-access areas (doors, fenders) are cheaper. Difficult areas (roof center, pillars, edges near seams) cost 20–50% more due to limited tool access and higher skill requirements.
Single small dent: 30–60 minutes. Multiple dents: 1–4 hours. Full hail damage: 4–8 hours or more. Most repairs are completed same-day.
More in this topic
Windshield Replacement Cost Calculator
Estimate windshield replacement cost including glass, labor, and ADAS recalibration. Compare out-of-pocket vs insurance claim pricing.
DIY vs Shop Repair Savings Calculator
Compare DIY auto repair costs vs professional shop pricing. Calculate your savings from doing repairs yourself including tool investment.