<TABLE> <S> <C>
<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
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
<CASH> 43,000
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 1,786,000
<ALLOWANCES> 57,000
<INVENTORY> 1,529,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 5,086,000
<PP&E> 5,927,000
<DEPRECIATION> 2,396,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 11,161,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 4,705,000
<BONDS> 2,818,000
0
0
<COMMON> 1,365,000
<OTHER-SE> 936,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 11,161,000
<SALES> 4,156,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 4,156,000
<CGS> 1,497,000
<TOTAL-COSTS> 1,497,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 1,718,000
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 105,000
<INCOME-PRETAX> 833,000
<INCOME-TAX> 277,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 556,000
<DISCONTINUED> (429,000)
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 127,000
<EPS-BASIC> .12
<EPS-DILUTED> .12
</TABLE>