If it is something on sale that I know I will use, I get however much they have, as usually the really 'good' sale fabrics only have a couple yards left on the bolt. If I really like it and don't have a specific project in mind I'll get 1-3 yards depending on the budget that day. The only time I get less than a yard is if it's a remnant or if I'm getting a FQ to see if the fabric will actually go with the fabrics I already have set aside for a particular project.