Opening Steam’s inspect window reveals a tiny “float” number that can swing a CS skin’s price from a few cents to hundreds of dollars. This guide breaks down CS2 float values, how wear tiers work, and what that means for today’s market.
Key Takeaways
- Float runs from 0.00 (pristine) to 1.00 (ruined).
- Five official wear tiers—Factory New to Battle-Scarred—are defined by fixed float brackets.
- Lower float usually means higher price, but pattern, rarity, and demand still matter.
- Quickest way to verify value: paste your inspect link into our float checker.
- Trade smart: check market history and verify seller reputation before any deal.
What is a CS2 Float Value?
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 |
The following sections will delve deeper into each wear level and explore their unique characteristics and float value ranges.
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.gg
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: Why Numbers Aren’t Everything
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 | Weight (%) | Why it matters | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Float value | 35 | Clean skins look better | 0.02 vs 0.20 Karambit Doppler |
| Skin rarity | 30 | Supply is limited | Covert > Classified |
| Special pattern | 20 | Blue-gems, spiral fades, etc. | #661 AK-47 Case Hardened |
| Sticker/nametag | 15 | Adds or subtracts demand | Katowice 2014 holos |
A Word on CaseKeys and Floats
Before you budget for openings, check CS2 key prices first. The standard CS2 case key price remains $2.50, so unlocking 20 cases quickly turns into $50. Ask how much a CSGO key costs today, and you’ll get the same answer: Valve hasn’t changed the tag. Float hunting can be fun, but weigh that cost against simply buying a desired float outright on the market.
Be cautious when trading skins; some sellers may overcharge for lower-end float values. Don’t guess, just paste your inspect link into the CS2 float checker to get the exact number before accepting or declining a trade.
That’s why our website offers the best deals. 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.
This highlights the importance of personal aesthetic preferences when trading and collecting skins based on float values. It’s also important to ensure your account is secure when trading, so understand what Steam Guard is and how to use it.
Factors That Influence Float Supply
- Case drop era: Older crates produced more low-float variants of certain finishes.
- Skin finish type: Anodized and Doppler patterns tend to mask wear better.
- Player behaviour: Many FN items were traded away or upgraded, shrinking supply.
- Valve updates: New cases introduce fresh low-float pools, pushing prices down temporarily.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Float is generated at drop time and never changes.
Kill counters don’t touch the float; it’s purely cosmetic.
Copy the inspect link and paste it into Tradeit’s mobile float checker.
Sometimes. Unique patterns or limited-edition finishes can still be pricey.
