diff --git a/scripts/create_request.sh b/scripts/create_request.sh
index 5992f6d..8b12ca8 100755
--- a/scripts/create_request.sh
+++ b/scripts/create_request.sh
@@ -147,9 +147,9 @@ else
     fi
 fi
 
-currentblockheight=`ocl getblockcount` # may have updated by now  
+currentblockheight=`ocl getblockcount` # may have updated by now
 # Request start height = confirmation time bufffer + current height + auction duration
-let start=1+$currentblockheight+$4
+let start=$(( 1+$currentblockheight+$4 ))
 # Request end height = request start height + request duration
 let end=start+$5