<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The data schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Boise
Cascade Office Products Corporation's Balance Sheet at March 31, 1998, and
from its Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 1998.  The
information presented 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>                                          53,151
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  390,533
<ALLOWANCES>                                     7,707
<INVENTORY>                                    203,733
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               678,930
<PP&E>                                         352,120
<DEPRECIATION>                                 140,054
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,363,922
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          494,903
<BONDS>                                        307,224
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           657
<OTHER-SE>                                     525,311
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,363,922
<SALES>                                        759,808
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               759,808
<CGS>                                          564,230
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  564,230
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               159,297
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               6,465
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 30,239
<INCOME-TAX>                                    12,650
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             17,589
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    17,589
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .27
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .27