A separable dual carton for accommodating separate quantities of articles. The dual carton includes a plurality of panels hingedly connected to one another. A center top panel includes a tear strip which overlies at least one starter orifice. The starter orifice is formed from apertures in opposing panels which are sized and positioned to register with one another when the dual carton is erected. By removing at least a portion of the tear strip, the starter orifice becomes accessible to facilitate the separation of the dual carton into separate individual cartons.