I just bought backing for a friend and I forgot to remeasure it. Yiiikkkess I should have known better. I will measure it today. I have taken fabric back to Joann's. Some has shrunk as much as 4 inches on 42" wide fabric. They use cheap grey goods and it is expected. Hard to think $5.00 fabric is as good as good quilting fabric at $9-10/yd.