The single-phase switched reluctance motor(SRM) has only one inductance variation and the positive torque is generated in the restricted section. So, it cannot be started by itself. To solve this problem, many researchers have addressed the several starting method for the single-phase SRM. This paper is focused on the torque characteristics of the single-phase SRM according to starting method. The four major starting method - permanent magnet, saturable stator pole, to grade the rotor, stepped rotor pole - is selected to analyze the torque characteristics. The analysis model of each starting method is designed to changed the pole shape or inserting other material in the basic model. The torque characteristics of each analysis model is obtained by using FEM analysis. The FEM analysis is performed at incremental rotor positions over half inductance cycle in any one pole with 250AT, 500AT, 750AT. The distortion factor of each analysis model is analyzed through the FFT to compare the distortion between basic model and four analysis model.