<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM BLACK BOX
CORPORATION'S FORM 10-Q FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             OCT-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                           2,366
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   54,420
<ALLOWANCES>                                     3,620
<INVENTORY>                                     36,277
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                99,875
<PP&E>                                          37,484
<DEPRECIATION>                                  17,781
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 211,450
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           34,937
<BONDS>                                          6,307
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            18
<OTHER-SE>                                     161,987
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   211,450
<SALES>                                         85,262
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                85,262
<CGS>                                           43,044
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   43,044
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                    92
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   333
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 235
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 15,944
<INCOME-TAX>                                     6,369
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              9,575
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     9,575
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.55
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.53