i never buy precuts. why pay someone to cut for me? i usually buy 3 yards at a time. i make quilts that are between 95 and 98 square. so if i see a backing i like on sale, that's 9 yards right there. i buy within a certain color range (violets and purples, blues and greens, reds and yellows). no browns, tans, muslins or creams, although i sometimes use them if someone gives them to me. i try to give them away. so, i would say, at least 3 yards up to 9 yards. when sauder's in pa has their bolt sale, i buy bolts. i do gift fq's.