It depends on the pattern. If there are HSTs that need to be matched, I adjust the seam so I don't cut off the points. If there are only rectangular pieces, I go with standard 1/4"

I use my 1/4 inch foot.

ok so i have a dumb question what is the difference

i use my 1/4 inch foot on my machine

I just use my 1/4 foot. So far haven't had any problems with the method.

I do 1/4

I use scant 1/4", but I have been known to sew just a 1/8" seam where the piecing came out a little short. Once you press seams to one side or the other (both going the same way) and then quilt over it, it's plenty strong.

Scant means just inside your quarter inch mark on the machine or foot. When you press the seam allowances to one side, their thickness takes up a bit of room out of the seam, and your finished block can come out a tad small because of this. When you sew a "scant 1/4" you are allowing the room the seam allowances take up when pressed to the side. Try it, it works!

After years of having everything just a little "off" on the block size I finally caught on to using a scant. Now I always use a scant.

IMHO, scant or 1/4" doesn't matter...you will never see the seams in the finished quilt! What DOES matter is that the size of the BLOCK turns out exactly right. Adjust your needle position to make the finished block the correct size. It's a pain to make a test block before diving in and piecing, but it can save you a lot of headaches later.