<PAGE>
EXHIBIT (12)(a)
ONEOK, Inc.
Computation of Earnings to Fixed Charges
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Unaudited) 2000 1999
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Thousands of Dollars)
<S> <C> <C>
Fixed Charges, as defined
Interest on long-term debt $ 64,686 $ 30,172
Other interest 15,634 13,290
Amortization of debt discount and expense 2,345 1,161
Interest on lease agreements 3,202 1,953
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Fixed Charges 85,867 46,576
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before income taxes and
income from equity investees 157,883 115,092
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings available for fixed charges $243,750 $161,668
============================================================================================================
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 2.84 x 3.47 x
============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
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 interests charges, the amortization of
the debt discounts and issue costs and the representative interest portion of
operating leases.
