<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Symantec
Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended March 31, 2000 and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> MAR-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> APR-03-1999
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-2000
<CASH> 87,973
<SECURITIES> 343,577
<RECEIVABLES> 53,710
<ALLOWANCES> (6,444)
<INVENTORY> 5,675
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 545,537
<PP&E> 201,205
<DEPRECIATION> (149,300)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 846,027
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 226,517
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 603
<OTHER-SE> 617,354
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 846,027
<SALES> 745,725
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 745,725
<CGS> 121,073
<TOTAL-COSTS> 121,073
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 489,449
<LOSS-PROVISION> 4,031
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 22
<INCOME-PRETAX> 257,291
<INCOME-TAX> 87,143
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 170,148
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 170,148
<EPS-BASIC> 2.94
<EPS-DILUTED> 2.73
</TABLE>