The present paper provides experimental J estimation equation for the circumferential through-wall cracked pipe under four-point bending, based on the load-crack opening displacement (COD) record. Based on the limit analysis and the kinematically admissible rigid-body rotation field, the plastic ${eta}$-factor for the load-COD record is derived and is compared with that for the load-load line displacement record. Comparison with the J results from detailed elastic-plastic finite element (FE) analysis shows that the proposed method based on the load-COD record provides reliable J estimates even for shallow cracks, whereas the conventional approach based on the load-load line displacement record gives erroneous results for shallow cracks. Thus, the proposed J estimation method could be recommended for testing the circumferential through-wall cracked pipe, particularly with shallow cracks.