EXHIBIT 12.1

                             FORT HOWARD CORPORATION

             DEFICIENCY OF EARNINGS AVAILABLE TO COVER FIXED CHARGES
                                  (In thousands)

                                             For the Years Ended            
                                                 December 31,               
                                 -------------------------------------------
                                 1994         1993         1992         1991
                                 ----         ----         ----         ----

Earnings:
  Loss before taxes..........  $(61,016)  $(2,056,432)  $ (69,800)  $ (97,999)
  Interest expense...........   337,701       342,792     338,374     371,186 
  One-fourth of operating 
    lease rental expense.....     1,881         1,731       1,632       1,356 
                               --------   -----------   ---------   ---------

                               $278,566   $(1,711,909)  $ 270,206   $ 274,543 
                               ========   ===========   =========   ========= 

Fixed Charges:
  Interest expense...........  $337,701   $   342,792   $ 338,374   $ 371,186
  Capitalized interest.......     4,230         8,369      11,047       5,331
  One-fourth of operating
    lease rental expense.....     1,881         1,731       1,632       1,356 
                               --------   -----------   ---------   --------- 

                               $343,812   $   352,892   $ 351,053   $ 377,873 
                               ========   ===========   =========   ========= 

Deficiency of Earnings 
  Available to Cover 
  Fixed Charges (1)..........  $(65,246)  $(2,064,801)  $ (80,847)  $(103,330)
                               ========   ===========   =========   ========= 

(1)   For purposes of these computations, earnings consist of consolidated 
loss before taxes plus fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest) of both 
consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries.  Fixed charges consist of 
interest on indebtedness (including capitalized interest and amortization of 
deferred loan costs) plus that portion (deemed to be one-fourth) of operating 
lease rental expense representative of the interest factor.