<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
<PRAXAIR, INC. EXHIBIT 27 FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2000>
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 31
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 934
<ALLOWANCES> 29
<INVENTORY> 313
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 1375
<PP&E> 8809
<DEPRECIATION> 4059
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 7810
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1359
<BONDS> 2729
20
0
<COMMON> 2
<OTHER-SE> 2401
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 7810
<SALES> 3770
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 3770
<CGS> 2259 <F1>
<TOTAL-COSTS> 2259 <F1>
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 353 <F1>
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 167
<INCOME-PRETAX> 483
<INCOME-TAX> 111
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 358
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 358
<EPS-BASIC> 2.25
<EPS-DILUTED> 2.22
<FN>
<F1>Cost of goods sold and total costs are exclusive of depreciation and
amortization which is shown on the other expense line in the Financial Data
Schedule.
</FN>
</TABLE>