Unless it is a remnant that calls my name, I will rarely get less than a yard. If I don't have to pinch pennies that trip I'll get at least 3 yards of ones that I really like or that are blenders.
If it's a really good sale and I KNOW I will use it (like soft, thick solid fleece for $3/yd), then for sure I'll get the whole bolt.
I'm learning that I really need to get more of the blenders as they get used in so many different projects. And lately it seems like I get to the second or third one and lo and behold I need more than I have on hand, I'm already over budget, (as always) it's 20+ miles in any direction to a fabric store, I'm low in gas and it's Sunday afternoon...