Simple approach based on Classical Laminate Theory (CLT) and effective stiffness of damaged layer is suggested for bending stiffness determination of laminate with intralaminar cracks in surface 90-layers. The effective stiffness of layer with cracks as a function of crack density is back-calculated comparing in-plane stiffness of laminates with and without damage. The accuracy of the CLT and effective stiffness approach is demonstrated comparing with bending stiffness results from FEM simulated 4-point bending test on laminate with damage. Analytical model for damaged laminate stiffness is presented which gives similar values for effective stiffness as FEM calculations for unit cell. Effect of local delaminations initiated from transverse cracks is analyzed.