EXHIBIT (12)(a) ONEOK, Inc. Computation of Earnings to Fixed Charges Six Months Ended June 30, (Unaudited) 2000 1999 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Thousands of Dollars) Fixed Charges, as defined Interest on long-term debt $ 40,023 $ 17,843 Other interest 8,779 8,305 Amortization of debt discount and expense 1,526 771 Interest on lease agreements 1,853 1,302 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total Fixed Charges 52,181 28,221 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Earnings before income taxes and income from equity investees 143,324 111,496 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Earnings available for fixed charges $195,505 $139,717 ==================================================================================================================================== Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred dividend requirements 3.75 x 4.95 x ==================================================================================================================================== For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, "earnings" consists of income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle plus fixed charges and income taxes, less undistributed income for equity investees. "Fixed charges" consists of interest charges, the amortization of debt discounts and issue costs and the representative interest portion of operating leases.