I do not buy fabric right off the bolt, but was in walmart and found some that matched a quilt I am making for my husband. Needed 10 yards for the backing. Picked up a bolt that was not even opened or shelved as yet. Had the clerk pull it off the bolt to be sure that it contained the 10 yards that the bolt end said was on it. Well, there were only a little over 7 yds and then a piece a little over 1 yd. on the bolt. Clerk was nice enough to call another store and see if they had any. Went to the other store and they had 2 bolts. Their bolt contained a little over 9 yds. So got that and an extra 2 yds from the other bolt. Is this normal to have a bolt not contain what it says is on the bolt if it has never been cut? Sorry to be so long winded.