What is Float Value in CS2? Beginner's Complete Guide 2026
Float Value Explained in 30 Seconds
Float value is a number between 0.00 and 1.00 that shows how worn or pristine a CS2 skin is. Think of it like a car's mileage—lower numbers mean better condition. A 0.001 float skin is nearly flawless, while a 0.99 float skin is heavily scratched. Understanding float values is essential because two "Factory New" skins can have drastically different floats (and prices). Use our CS2 Float Checker to instantly see any skin's exact float value before you buy.
What is Float Value? (Simple Explanation)
If you've ever looked at CS2 skins and wondered why two "Factory New" skins have completely different prices, the answer is float value. Float is the single most important number in CS2 trading, yet many beginners don't understand it.
Here's the simplest way to think about float value: Float is like a condition score for your skin. Every CS2 skin has a float value—a decimal number ranging from 0.00 to 1.00—that determines how worn, scratched, or pristine the skin looks.
Float Value Quick Definition
Float Value = How New or Worn Your Skin Looks
0.00 = Perfect condition (like a brand new car off the lot)
0.50 = Heavily worn (like a 10-year-old car with scratches)
1.00 = Maximum wear (like a rusted, beat-up old car)
The lower the float number, the better the condition. The higher the float number, the more scratches and wear marks your skin will have.
Why Float Value Exists
Valve (the game developer) created float values to add variety and realism to CS2 skins. Without float, every Factory New skin would look identical—boring! Float adds uniqueness: some Factory New skins are nearly perfect (0.001 float), while others show slight wear (0.069 float).
Float value is permanent—it's assigned when a skin is unboxed, crafted via trade-up, or dropped, and it never changes. You can't "wear down" a skin by using it, and you can't "repair" it to lower the float. This permanence is why float matters so much for trading and collecting.
Why Float Value Matters (3 Critical Reasons)
Understanding float values isn't just for advanced traders—even if you're buying your first $5 skin, float knowledge helps you get better value. Here's why float matters:
1. Price Differences Can Be MASSIVE
Two skins with the same name and wear condition can have wildly different prices based on float. Real example: A Karambit Fade with 0.001 float might sell for $2,500, while the same knife with 0.069 float sells for $1,800—a $700 difference despite both being "Factory New."
Price Impact by Float Range:
0.00x floats: +50% to +300% premium
0.000x floats: +200% to +500% premium
High floats (0.06-0.07 FN): -10% to -20% discount
2. Visual Appearance Varies Dramatically
Lower float values look cleaner and more vibrant. A 0.001 float AWP Asiimov (Field-Tested) will have crisp colors and minimal scratches. A 0.37 float AWP Asiimov (also Field-Tested!) will look faded, scratched, and worn. Both are technically "Field-Tested," but they look completely different in-game.
Pro tip: If aesthetics matter to you, always check float before buying. Use CS2 Float Checker to see exact float values instantly.
3. Rarity and Collectability
Extremely low floats (below 0.001) are exceptionally rare. Getting a 0.0001 float skin from a case opening is like winning a lottery jackpot—it happens, but it's incredibly uncommon. Collectors pay premiums for these ultra-low floats, making them excellent investments.
Float Rarity Tiers:
0.00x: Rare (top 1-5%)
0.000x: Very Rare (top 0.1%)
0.0000x: Extremely Rare (top 0.01%)
The 5 Wear Categories Explained
CS2 divides the 0.00-1.00 float range into five "wear conditions" or "wear categories." These are the labels you see on skins: Factory New, Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn, and Battle-Scarred. Each category covers a specific float range:
Factory New (FN)
0.00 - 0.07Factory New skins are the highest quality tier, showing minimal to no wear. These skins look pristine, with bright colors and very few (if any) visible scratches.
Float Range: 0.00 to 0.07 (7% of total float spectrum)
Visual Quality: Pristine condition, vibrant colors, minimal scratches
Price: Most expensive wear condition (except for rare high-float collectors)
Best for: Collectors, high-end inventories, players who want the cleanest look
Remember:
Not all Factory New skins are equal! A 0.001 FN skin looks significantly better than a 0.069 FN skin and commands much higher prices.
Minimal Wear (MW)
0.07 - 0.15Minimal Wear skins show slight wear but still look quite clean. For many skins, low MW (0.07-0.10) is indistinguishable from Factory New to the casual eye.
Float Range: 0.07 to 0.15 (8% of total float spectrum)
Visual Quality: Very clean, minor scratches in certain spots
Price: 20-40% cheaper than Factory New (best value tier)
Best for: Value-conscious buyers, players who want clean skins without FN premiums
Pro Trader Secret:
Low MW floats (0.07-0.10) are the BEST value in CS2 trading. They look nearly identical to FN but cost significantly less. Smart traders buy low MW instead of high-float FN.
Field-Tested (FT)
0.15 - 0.38Field-Tested is the middle ground—affordable skins with moderate wear. The huge float range (0.15-0.38) means FT skins vary wildly in appearance.
Float Range: 0.15 to 0.38 (23% of total float spectrum—the largest category)
Visual Quality: Noticeable wear, scratches visible, colors slightly faded
Price: 40-60% cheaper than Factory New (budget-friendly)
Best for: Budget players, casual gamers, those who prioritize affordability
Important:
ALWAYS check float when buying FT skins. A 0.15 FT looks acceptable, while a 0.37 FT looks terrible. The range is massive, so float checking is critical for Field-Tested.
Well-Worn (WW)
0.38 - 0.45Well-Worn skins show heavy wear with significant scratches and faded colors. Generally not popular for trading or collecting.
Float Range: 0.38 to 0.45 (7% of total float spectrum)
Visual Quality: Heavily worn, lots of scratches, faded appearance
Price: 60-75% cheaper than Factory New
Best for: Extreme budget players, trade-up contracts, those who don't care about appearance
Battle-Scarred (BS)
0.45 - 1.00Battle-Scarred skins are the most worn category. They show extreme wear, heavy scratches, and maximum fading. The largest float range by far.
Float Range: 0.45 to 1.00 (55% of total float spectrum—more than half!)
Visual Quality: Maximum wear, extremely scratched, very faded colors
Price: 70-90% cheaper than Factory New (cheapest wear condition)
Best for: Minimum budget, trade-up contracts, collectors seeking max-float skins (0.99+)
Fun Fact:
Some collectors actually seek ultra-high floats (0.999+) because they're rare! A 0.9999 float "Blackiimov" (AWP Asiimov BS) can sell for 10x the price of a normal BS Asiimov.
Quick Tip: Always Check Float Within Categories
The wear condition label (FN, MW, etc.) only tells you the general range. The exact float value determines actual quality and price. Use CS2 Float Checker to see precise float values instantly on any marketplace listing—never buy based on wear condition alone!
Float Caps Explained (Why Some Skins Can't Be Factory New)
Here's something that confuses beginners: not all skins are available in all wear conditions. Some skins can never be Factory New, while others can never be Battle-Scarred. This is because of "float caps."
What Are Float Caps?
Float caps are the minimum and maximum float values a specific skin can have. While the general float range is 0.00-1.00, each individual skin has its own restricted range set by Valve.
Float Cap Examples
AWP Asiimov
The AWP Asiimov can NEVER be Factory New or Minimal Wear because its minimum float is 0.18. The lowest possible wear condition is Field-Tested (starting at 0.18). This is the most famous example of a skin with unusual float caps.
Desert Eagle Blaze
The Desert Eagle Blaze can ONLY be Factory New. It can't exist in MW, FT, WW, or BS because its maximum float is 0.08. All Blaze skins are automatically Factory New, which maintains their premium status.
AK-47 Case Hardened
The AK-47 Case Hardened has no float restrictions—it can be any wear condition from perfect 0.00 FN to maximum 1.00 BS. This is the standard "full range" float cap that most skins have.
M4A4 Howl
The M4A4 Howl technically goes up to 0.99, but it can't reach perfect 1.00. This slight restriction doesn't meaningfully impact availability since 0.99 is already max wear.
Why Float Caps Matter for Buyers
Understanding float caps prevents you from making impossible purchase requests and helps you value skins correctly:
Don't Search for Impossible Combinations
Knowing float caps saves time. Don't waste hours searching for "Factory New AWP Asiimov"—it doesn't exist. The Asiimov starts at 0.18 float, which is Field-Tested.
Understand Rarity Context
A 0.01 float sounds rare, but if the skin's cap is 0.00-0.08 (like Blaze), then 0.01 is average. Float caps provide context for whether a float is genuinely exceptional.
Identify Artificially Scarce Skins
Skins that can only exist in one wear condition (like Blaze = FN only) are artificially rare. This maintains higher prices because there's no cheaper FT or MW alternative.
Evaluate Low Float Claims
If someone advertises "low float AWP Asiimov" at 0.20, recognize that 0.18 is the absolute minimum. A 0.20 Asiimov is only 0.02 above the lowest possible, making it genuinely rare for that skin.
Pro tip: CS2 Float Checker automatically shows float caps for every skin, so you always know the possible range and can evaluate float rarity accurately.
Real Examples: How Float Affects Prices
Let's look at real-world examples to understand how dramatically float impacts pricing. These examples use approximate market prices to illustrate the float premium effect:
Example 1: Karambit Doppler Phase 2 (Factory New)
0.001 Float
Ultra low, collector grade
0.015 Float
Low float, premium
0.035 Float
Average FN float
0.065 Float
High FN float
Price Difference:
$1,100 difference between 0.001 and 0.065 float—both Factory New! This is a 65% premium for ultra-low float.
Example 2: AWP Asiimov (Field-Tested)
0.18 Float
Lowest possible (float cap minimum)
0.20 Float
Very low FT
0.26 Float
Average FT float
0.36 Float
High FT float (almost WW)
Price Difference:
$35 difference between 0.18 and 0.36 float—both Field-Tested. The 0.18 float commands 50% premium because it's the absolute lowest possible for Asiimov.
Example 3: AK-47 Redline (Field-Tested)
0.15 Float
Lowest FT (just crossed from MW)
0.25 Float
Average FT float
0.37 Float
High FT float (almost WW)
Key Takeaway:
Even on budget skins like AK-47 Redline, float matters. A $6 difference might not seem huge, but it represents a 50% premium—and it adds up when building an inventory.
The Pattern: Lower Float = Higher Price
Across all price ranges and wear conditions, the rule is consistent: lower float values command premium prices. This premium increases exponentially as floats approach 0.00x and 0.000x ranges. Always check float before buying to ensure you're paying the right price. Use CS2 Float Checker to instantly compare float values and identify underpriced gems.
How to Check Float Values
Now that you understand what float values are and why they matter, you need to know how to check them. There are several methods, but the easiest and fastest is using a dedicated float checker tool:
Method 1: CS2 Float Checker Extension (Recommended)
The fastest way to check float values is installing the CS2 Float Checker Chrome extension. This tool automatically displays float values on Steam Market, Buff163, CSFloat, and other marketplaces—without any clicking or manual checking.
Why Use CS2 Float Checker Extension?
Recommended- Instant results: Float values appear automatically on every skin listing
- Universal compatibility: Works on all major CS2 marketplaces
- Additional data: Shows pattern seed, paint index, float caps, and investment scores
- 100% free: No subscription, no ads, no limitations
- Always accurate: Uses official Valve API data in real-time
Method 2: CS2 Float Checker Web Tool
If you can't install browser extensions (mobile device, work computer, etc.), use our web-based float checker tool. Simply copy a skin's inspect link and paste it into the tool to get instant float information.
How to Use the Web Tool:
- 1. Find the skin you want to check on Steam Market or your inventory
- 2. Right-click the "Inspect in Game" button and select "Copy Link Address"
- 3. Go to cs2floatchecker.com/tools/float-checker
- 4. Paste the inspect link into the input field
- 5. Click "Check Float Value"—results appear in 1-2 seconds
Both methods use the same official Valve API and provide identical accuracy. The extension is better for checking multiple skins quickly, while the web tool works on any device. For detailed step-by-step instructions, read our Complete Guide to Checking Float Values.
Float Value vs Pattern Seed (What's the Difference?)
Beginners often confuse float value with pattern seed. These are two completely different attributes:
Float Value
What it is: A number from 0.00 to 1.00 that determines wear/condition
What it affects: How scratched, worn, and faded the skin looks
Importance: Matters for ALL skins—universal value factor
Range: 0.00 (perfect) to 1.00 (maximum wear)
Example: 0.001 = pristine, 0.50 = heavily worn
Pattern Seed
What it is: A number from 0 to 1000 that determines visual pattern layout
What it affects: The design, colors, and pattern placement on the skin
Importance: Only matters for specific skins (Case Hardened, Fade, Crimson Web, etc.)
Range: 0 to 1000 (1001 possible patterns)
Example: Pattern #661 = famous blue gem AK-47 Case Hardened
When Pattern Matters More Than Float
For most skins, float is the primary value driver. But for certain pattern-dependent skins, the pattern seed can be MORE important than float:
Pattern-Dependent Skins:
Case Hardened (Blue Gems)
Specific patterns with high blue coverage (like #661, #387, #670) sell for 10-100x normal price. A "blue gem" with 0.30 float is worth far more than a non-blue pattern with 0.001 float.
Fade Patterns
Certain pattern seeds produce higher fade percentages (95%+ fade vs 80% fade). Maximum fade patterns command 30-100% premiums regardless of float.
Marble Fade (Fire & Ice)
True Fire & Ice patterns (red/blue, no yellow) are determined by pattern seed. An F&I pattern is worth 2-4x more than a standard Marble Fade.
Crimson Web
Patterns with large, centered web placements (especially on gloves and knives) command significant premiums over poorly-placed web patterns.
Important: When buying pattern-dependent skins, you need to check BOTH float and pattern seed. CS2 Float Checker shows both values automatically. For in-depth pattern analysis, read our Complete Pattern Guide and Blue Gem Trading Guide.
Float Precision: How Exact Is Float Value?
Float values in CS2 are stored with 16 decimal places of precision. This means a float isn't just "0.00"—it's something like "0.0074283486232161."
Understanding Float Precision
The full precision of float values creates incredible granularity and rarity:
Float Precision Example:
Short Display (What You Usually See):
0.007
Most tools show 3-4 decimal places for readability
Full Precision (Actual Value):
0.0074283486232161
This is the true 16-decimal precision float stored by Valve
Why This Matters:
Two skins might both display as "0.007" when rounded, but their actual floats could be 0.0074 and 0.0079—creating a meaningful difference in true rarity and collector value.
Float Rankings and Databases
The 16-decimal precision enables float ranking databases that track the lowest-float versions of each skin in existence. Some collectors compete to own the #1 lowest float of specific skins, and these record-holders can sell for enormous premiums.
For example, a #1 ranked lowest float Karambit Sapphire might sell for 3-5x the price of a "regular" low float Sapphire, purely because it holds the #1 ranking position.
Common Misconceptions About Float Values
There's a lot of misinformation about float values circulating in the CS2 community. Let's clear up the most common misconceptions:
Myth #1: "Float changes when you use the skin"
FALSE. Float is permanent and never changes. Playing with a skin, equipping it, or trading it has ZERO effect on float. The float is assigned when the skin is created and remains fixed forever. You cannot "wear down" a skin.
Myth #2: "All Factory New skins are the same"
FALSE. Factory New covers floats from 0.00 to 0.07—a massive range. A 0.001 FN skin looks pristine and sells for premium prices, while a 0.069 FN skin shows visible wear and sells for much less. Always check exact float, not just wear condition.
Myth #3: "Float only affects appearance, not value"
FALSE. Float dramatically affects market value. Low float skins command premiums of 50-500% over average floats. Professional traders and collectors pay significantly more for 0.00x floats because of rarity and visual quality.
Myth #4: "You can't check float on Steam Market"
FALSE. While Steam Market doesn't show float by default, tools like CS2 Float Checker add float values directly to Steam Market listings. Install the extension and float values appear automatically.
Myth #5: "0.00 float is common"
FALSE. True 0.00 floats (like 0.0001 or lower) are extremely rare. Most "low float" skins are 0.001-0.01 range. Getting a 0.000x float from a case opening is a rare event comparable to unboxing a knife. Treat ultra-low floats as valuable collectibles.
Myth #6: "Higher float is always worse"
PARTIALLY FALSE. While generally true, some collectors seek ultra-high floats (0.99+) for rarity. The "Blackiimov" (AWP Asiimov with 0.99+ float) is a famous example where max-float skins sell for premiums. High-float collecting is a niche market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good float value in CS2?
"Good" depends on wear condition and your budget. For Factory New, aim for below 0.01 (excellent), below 0.005 (premium), or below 0.001 (collector grade). For Minimal Wear, 0.07-0.10 is the sweet spot. For Field-Tested, below 0.20 is good. Use CS2 Float Checker to see float caps and determine whether a specific float is rare for that skin.
Can float values be 0.00 exactly?
Technically yes, but it's astronomically rare. Most "0.00" floats are actually 0.000x when viewed at full precision (16 decimals). True 0.0000000000000000 float is theoretically possible but has never been confirmed. Floats below 0.0001 are already ultra-rare museum pieces.
Does float affect gameplay or stats?
No. Float only affects visual appearance—it has zero impact on weapon stats, damage, accuracy, recoil, or any gameplay mechanics. A 0.99 float AWP performs identically to a 0.001 float AWP. Float is purely cosmetic and affects only market value and aesthetics.
How much should I pay extra for low float skins?
It varies by skin tier. For high-value skins ($500+), expect 20-50% premiums for 0.00x floats and 100-500% premiums for 0.000x floats. For budget skins (under $50), premiums are smaller—typically 5-20% for very low floats. Check marketplace data and use CS2 Float Checker's investment score to evaluate fair pricing.
What does "float cap" mean?
Float cap is the minimum and maximum float range for a specific skin. While the general range is 0.00-1.00, individual skins have restricted ranges. For example, AWP Asiimov has a float cap of 0.18-1.00, meaning it can never be Factory New or Minimal Wear. Understanding float caps helps you identify truly rare low floats for specific skins.
Why do some skins not have Factory New versions?
Because their minimum float cap is above 0.07. Factory New requires floats from 0.00-0.07, but some skins (like AWP Asiimov starting at 0.18) can't reach that range. Valve sets these float caps intentionally to maintain skin aesthetics—the Asiimov design looks best with some wear, so Valve prevented pristine versions.
Is float value the same as wear rating?
No. Wear rating (Factory New, Minimal Wear, etc.) is a broad category label. Float value is the precise decimal number. Think of wear rating as "size medium" and float value as exact measurements. Two "Factory New" skins can have vastly different floats (0.001 vs 0.069), making float the more important metric.
Can you change a skin's float value?
No, it's impossible. Float is permanent and set when the skin is created (unboxed, crafted, or dropped). There's no way to repair, polish, or modify float values. Anyone claiming they can change float values is scamming you. Float permanence is what makes low floats valuable—they're permanently rare.
What's the difference between float and pattern?
Float (0.00-1.00) determines wear/condition. Pattern seed (0-1000) determines visual pattern layout. Float matters for all skins; pattern only matters for specific skins like Case Hardened, Fade, and Marble Fade. For most skins, float is the primary value driver. For pattern-dependent skins, both matter.
Are low float skins better investments?
Generally yes. Low float skins (0.00x range) appreciate faster than high floats because they're rarer and more desirable to collectors. However, they also cost more upfront. For investment purposes, focus on 0.001-0.01 range Factory New skins of popular, liquid skins. Read our CS2 Investment Guide for detailed strategies.
How do I check the float of a skin I don't own?
You need the skin's inspect link from Steam Market, trade offer, or inventory listing. Copy the inspect link, then use CS2 Float Checker web tool to paste and check. Or install the CS2 Float Checker extension to see floats automatically on marketplace listings without manual checking.
Do StatTrak skins have different float ranges?
No. StatTrak and non-StatTrak versions of the same skin have identical float caps and ranges. StatTrak only adds a kill counter—it doesn't affect float distribution. A StatTrak AK-47 Redline has the same possible float range (0.10-1.00) as a non-StatTrak version. Always check float regardless of StatTrak status.
Start Checking Float Values Today
Understanding float values is the foundation of smart CS2 trading. Install CS2 Float Checker to see exact float values, pattern seeds, and investment scores on every marketplace listing. Never overpay for high floats again. Never miss underpriced low-float gems. Join 50,000+ traders who automatically check floats on Steam Market, Buff163, CSFloat, and more.
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Conclusion: Master Float Values for Better Trading
Float value is the single most important number in CS2 skin trading. It determines visual quality, rarity, and price—often creating price differences of 50-500% within the same wear condition. Whether you're buying your first $10 skin or building a six-figure inventory, understanding float values prevents costly mistakes and helps you identify profitable opportunities.
The five wear categories (Factory New, Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn, Battle-Scarred) provide general ranges, but the exact float value determines true quality and value. A 0.001 Factory New skin and a 0.069 Factory New skin might share the same label, but they look completely different and sell for vastly different prices.
Float caps restrict which wear conditions are possible for specific skins. Understanding float caps helps you avoid searching for impossible combinations (like "Factory New AWP Asiimov") and correctly evaluate float rarity within each skin's possible range.
The easiest way to check float values is using CS2 Float Checker—it displays float values automatically on all marketplace listings, saving you time and helping you make informed decisions instantly. For mobile or one-off checks, use our web-based float checker tool.
Remember: float value is permanent and never changes. Low float skins remain rare forever, making them excellent long-term investments and collectibles. Professional traders NEVER buy without checking float first—and neither should you.
Ready to dive deeper? Explore our Advanced Float Value Guide, How to Check Float Values, and Complete Trading Guide for Beginners to maximize your CS2 trading profits.