<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The data schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Boise
Cascade Office Products Corporation's Balance Sheet at June 30, 1996, and from
its Statement of Income for the six months ended June 30, 1996.  The information
presented is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996
<CASH>                                           9,058
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  226,791
<ALLOWANCES>                                     3,922
<INVENTORY>                                    123,045
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               385,070
<PP&E>                                         200,613
<DEPRECIATION>                                  83,010
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 718,602
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          224,095
<BONDS>                                        100,092
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           624
<OTHER-SE>                                     370,853
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   718,602
<SALES>                                        922,190
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               922,190
<CGS>                                          675,955
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  675,955
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               193,694
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 49,419
<INCOME-TAX>                                    20,262
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             29,157
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    29,157
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .47
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0