A simplified method for determining the three mode(I, II, III) components of the strain energy release rate of free-edge delaminations in composite laminates is proposed. The interlaminar stresses are evaluated using the interface moment and the interface shear forces which are obtained from the equilibrium equations at the interface between the adjacent layers. Deformation of an edge-delaminated laminate is analysed by using a generalized quasi-three dimensional classical laminated plate theory. The analysis provides closed-form expression for the three components of the strain energy release rate. The analyses are performed for composite laminates subjected to uniaxial tension, with free-edge delaminations located symmetrically and asymmetrically with respect to the laminate midplane. The analysis results agreed with a finite element solution using the virtual crack closure technique.