I have always purchased batting by the bolt as I am a professional long arm quilter. If you select a width as wide as the longest quilt you are likely to need it for you can cut the width off the bolt instead of the length. Also any leftovers can be put together for baby quilts etc. That is why I order all 122" bolts to have on hand for my clients. I sell it by the linear inch and they are purchasing for the narrowest part of their quilt. I keep the extra as compensation for storing the batting. I've read that the quality of batting on bolts is better but don't know if that holds true.