just like everything else in our world....cutting/packaging shorter/smaller and charging more........I really don't buy fat quarters anymore..they are too expensive.....but I will look the next time to see the size....and I will ask a stupid question to the sales associate....."why is this not a true fat quarter?" and I will say it loud enough for others to hear my question as well as the answer I get.....My fav is buying a box of 1/2 air and 1/2 cereal!!!!! Can't eat cardboard......not yet anyway!!!!!!