Inspecting a skin’s float value can make or break a trade. In 2025, understanding float values in CS2 is essential if you want to spot value, avoid scams, and make savvy buys and sells.
What is CS2 Float?
A float value is a permanent decimal assigned to each skin. The closer it is to 0, the cleaner the weapon looks. Once generated, the float never changes, even if you apply stickers or rename the item. For a visual breakdown of how different wear levels look, check our CS2 wear rating guide.
Lower float values may produce a shinier appearance and better skin quality, whereas higher float values may create a less shiny and worn-out look.
Float values can have a substantial impact on skin appearance and market value. Generally, lower float values indicate better condition, with fewer scratches and negligible dark patches, and can result in a higher market value.
However, skin wear and market value cannot be treated linearly and depend on item rarity and subjective aesthetic impressions. Understanding the skin float value can help players make informed decisions when selling CS2 skins, for example.
CS2 Wear Levels and Float Ranges
CS2 skins are available in five distinct wear levels, each with its unique float range and impact on skin appearance and value. These wear levels include:
| Exterior | Float Range | Visual Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Factory New (FN) | 0.00 – 0.07 | Glossy finish, almost no scratches |
| Minimal Wear (MW) | 0.07 – 0.15 | Tiny edge marks, paint 95% intact |
| Field-Tested (FT) | 0.15 – 0.37 | Noticeable wear on corners, slight fade |
| Well-Worn (WW) | 0.37 – 0.44 | Large scratches, muted colours |
| Battle-Scarred (BS) | 0.44 – 1.00 | Heavy scuffing, possible pattern gaps |
1: Factory New (FN): the premium tier
FN pieces look brand-new and command the highest bids, especially covert rifles and knives. Always compare float to price; a 0.01 AK-47 Redline might cost 20 % more than a 0.06 cop, but won’t look very different in-game.
You can buy CS2 skins with FN exterior at Tradeit.
2: Minimal Wear (MW): best value for money
MW skins keep most of the shine while costing far less than FN. Many collectors treat MW as their default buy range, balancing looks and budget.
3: Field-Tested (FT): everyday choice
FT items show wear but still photograph well for screenshots and thumbnails. Ideal for players who upgrade often and don’t want to overspend.
4: Well-Worn (WW) & Battle-Scarred: budget picks (with exceptions)
These tiers are cheapest, yet a few patterns—such as “Blackiimov” AWP or dopplers with unique fades—can skyrocket despite high float. Always inspect before dismissing.
Also view: Discover the best place to buy CS2 skins.
Float vs. Price: What Matters Most
Several factors influence skin float and market value, including:
- Rarity: Rare skins are generally more valuable than more common ones.
- Wear level: The wear level of a skin impacts its float value and market value, with skins featuring higher wear levels typically being less valuable than those with lower wear levels.
- Personal aesthetic preferences: Individual preferences for certain skins can also affect their market value.
Before diving into trade offers, remember that rarity, pattern, and hype sway value almost as much as float. Use the quick matrix below when you evaluate a deal:
| Factor | Market Impact | Why It Matters | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Float | 35% | Affects visual quality and perceived skin condition | FN 0.02 vs 0.20 Karambit Doppler |
| Rarity | 30% | Lower supply = higher demand and long-term value | Covert > Classified |
| Pattern | 20% | Unique finishes (e.g. blue gems) command collector value | Blue-gem AK-47 #661 |
| Stickers/Tags | 15% | Rare stickers or legacy nametags boost desirability | Katowice 2014 holo adds value |
How to Check the Float in CS2
Be cautious when trading skins; some sellers may overcharge for lower-end float values. Don’t guess, just paste your inspect link into the float checker to get the exact number before accepting or declining a trade.
- In-game inspection: Right-click a skin, hit “Inspect”, click the “i” icon for float
- Online checkers: Paste the inspect link into our CS2 float checker or third-party tools like tradeit.
- Browser extensions: Tools like Steam Inventory Helper add float info on Steam market pages.
Float Extremes in CS2
Sometimes, it’s crucial to compare the skin’s float value with other Factory New skins and make an informed decision before parting with your hard-earned cash. You can do this by using your Steam Trade URL to inspect the skin.
- Highest float (worst wear) is close to 1.00, usually seen on Battle-Scarred skins. These are very common and often cheap.
- Lowest float (best wear) hovers near 0.00. Ultra-low floats for rare skins (AWP, knives) can fetch premium prices.
Buying Tips for Float-Based Trades
It’s also important to ensure your account is secure when trading, so understand what Steam Guard is and how to use it.
- Don’t overpay for minor float differences.
- Balance look and cost: Minimal Wear often offers the best value.
- Watch pattern exceptions: High-float Battle-Scarred skins with rare designs/case-aged patterns can still sell high.
Float Supply Trends
- 📦 Old cases often produced more low-float variants.
- ✨ Shiny finishes like Doppler conceal wear, boosting value.
- 🔒 FN stock shrinks as collectors hold onto prized items.
- 📉 New cases flood the low-float supply, pushing prices down temporarily.
Float values are critical, but they don’t tell the full story. In 2025, great trades come from balancing float, rarity, pattern, and market context. Always inspect before trade, understand what makes a skin unique, and trust your eye as well as the numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Float is fixed on drop and never changes with use. Wear tiers define the look.
Up to 1.00 Battle-Scarred skins near 0.44 -1.00 show heavy wear.
Inspect in-game and tap “i”, or paste the link into float database tools like ours or CSFloat.
No rare skins and patterns often trump slight float differences.
