Exhibit 12 MASCO CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Thousands of Dollars) Three Months Ended March 31, Year Ended December 31 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 Earnings Before Income Taxes and Fixed Charges: Income from continuing operations before income taxes $197,300 $755,000 $630,900 $502,700 $351,790 $292,830 Deduct/add equity in undistributed (earnings)/ loss of equity affiliates (3,970) (24,070) (19,470) (12,310) (17,770) 106,200 Add interest on indebtedness, net 23,050 86,230 80,390 74,790 73,400 60,360 Add amortization of debt expense 360 1,230 1,260 1,400 1,930 2,220 Add estimated interest factor for rentals 2,770 10,000 8,150 6,150 4,970 4,220 Earnings before income taxes and fixed charges $219,510 $828,390 $701,230 $572,730 $414,320 $465,830 Fixed Charges: Interest on indebtedness regarding continuing operations $ 24,010 $ 90,320 $ 83,520 $ 77,250 $ 76,460 $ 63,220 Amortization of debt expense 360 1,230 1,260 1,400 1,930 2,220 Estimated interest factor for rentals 2,770 10,000 8,150 6,150 4,970 4,220 Fixed Charges $ 27,140 $101,550 $ 92,930 $ 84,800 $ 83,360 $ 69,660 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 8.1 8.2 7.5 6.8 5.0 6.7