Exhibit 12 MASCO CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Thousands of Dollars) Six Months Ended June 30, Year Ended December 31, 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 Earnings Before Income Taxes And Fixed Charges: Income from continuing operations before income taxes $291,600 $502,700 $351,790 $292,830 $349,190 $296,020 Deduct/add equity in undistributed (earnings)/ losses of equity affiliates (11,250) (12,310) (17,770) 106,200 (13,750) (13,210) Add interest on indebtedness, net 37,590 74,790 73,400 60,360 62,860 57,190 Add amortization of debt expense 630 1,400 1,930 2,220 2,650 2,710 Add one-third of rentals 3,440 6,150 4,970 4,220 3,190 3,290 Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and fixed charges $322,010 $572,730 $414,320 $465,830 $404,140 $346,000 Fixed charges: Interest on indebtedness regarding continuing operations $ 38,760 $ 77,250 $ 76,460 $ 63,220 $ 63,600 $ 69,890 Amortization of debt expense 630 1,400 1,930 2,220 2,650 2,710 One-third of rentals 3,440 6,150 4,970 4,220 3,190 3,290 $ 42,830 $ 84,800 $ 83,360 $ 69,660 $ 69,440 $ 75,890 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 7.5 6.8 5.0 6.7 5.8 4.6