EXHIBIT (12)(a) ONEOK, INC. COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Year Ended Year Ended December 31, August 31, (Unaudited) 2000 1999 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- (Thousands of Dollars) Fixed Charges, as defined Interest on long-term debt $ 90,027 $ 37,087 Other interest 24,775 14,440 Amortization of debt discount and expense 3,828 1,282 Interest on lease agreements 3,497 2,604 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- Total Fixed Charges 122,127 55,413 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before income taxes and undistributed income from equity investees 229,754 169,552 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings available for fixed charges $351,881 $224,965 ================================================================ Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 2.88 x 4.06 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.