<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The data reported in this exhibit are based on unaudited statements but include
all adjustments which the company considers necessary for a fair presentation of
results for this period.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000041499
<NAME> THE GILLETTE COMPANY
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1999
<CASH>                                          80,000
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                2,507,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                    74,000
<INVENTORY>                                  1,621,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             5,132,000
<PP&E>                                       5,962,000
<DEPRECIATION>                               2,295,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              11,786,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        4,180,000
<BONDS>                                      2,931,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                     85,000
<COMMON>                                     1,364,000
<OTHER-SE>                                   1,611,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                11,786,000
<SALES>                                      9,897,000
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<CGS>                                        3,711,000
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<OTHER-EXPENSES>                             4,081,000
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             136,000
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<NET-INCOME>                                 1,260,000
<EPS-BASIC>                                       1.15
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.14