<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM MASCO
CORPORATION'S MARCH 31, 1998 FORM 10-Q AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1998
<CASH>                                         174,900
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  679,400<F1>
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    543,890
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,517,460
<PP&E>                                       1,073,890<F1>
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               4,381,890
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          549,850
<BONDS>                                      1,162,120
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                       169,930
<OTHER-SE>                                   2,318,790
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 4,381,890
<SALES>                                      1,039,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,039,000
<CGS>                                          659,200
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  659,200
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              20,500
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                184,300
<INCOME-TAX>                                    73,700
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            110,600
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   110,600
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .67
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .65
<FN>
<F1>Receivables and property and equipment are presented net of allowances for
doubtful accounts and accumulated depreciation and amortization, respectively.
</FN>