CS2 Fade Percentage Guide
Master the art of identifying and valuing Fade skins in CS2. Learn how fade percentages work, the difference between full fade and max fade, which Fade skins command the highest premiums, and how to check fade percentages using professional tools.
Table of Contents
What Is Fade Percentage?
Fade is one of the most iconic and desirable skin finishes in CS2. The Fade pattern features a gradient that transitions from gold/yellow through pink to purple. What makes Fade skins special is that each individual item has a different amount of this color gradient visible, expressed as a fade percentage.
Key Concept: Fade Percentage
Fade percentage (ranging from approximately 80% to 100%) indicates how much of the pink-to-purple portion of the gradient is visible on the skin. Higher percentages mean more purple is visible, while lower percentages show more gold/yellow. The percentage is determined by the skin's pattern seed, which is randomly assigned when the item is unboxed.
Unlike float values (which affect wear), fade percentage is purely cosmetic and doesn't change the skin's condition. A 100% fade can be Factory New or Battle-Scarred - the fade percentage and float value are independent attributes.
Why Fade Percentage Matters
- Value Difference: High fade percentages command significant premiums over low fades
- Visual Appeal: Many collectors prefer the vibrant purple of full fades
- Market Recognition: Fade percentage is a standard trading metric
- Investment Potential: Full fades are more liquid and retain value better
Understanding the Fade Spectrum
The Fade gradient is a continuous spectrum of colors. Understanding where different percentages fall on this spectrum helps you quickly assess a Fade skin's value at a glance.
← More Gold/Yellow | More Pink/Purple →
Color Distribution by Percentage
| Percentage Range | Primary Colors Visible | Visual Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| 80-85% | Gold, Pink, minimal Purple | Significant gold portion, pink middle, little to no purple tip |
| 85-90% | Gold fading, More Pink, some Purple | Reduced gold, expanded pink, purple appearing at tip/end |
| 90-95% | Minimal Gold, Pink dominant, Purple visible | Small gold accent, vibrant pink, noticeable purple |
| 95-100% | Trace Gold, Pink, Maximum Purple | Almost no gold, rich pink-to-purple gradient, purple extends to extremity |
Quick Visual Check
For knives: Look at the blade tip. If it's purple/pink extending to the very tip, it's likely a high fade (95%+). If you see yellow/gold near the tip, it's a lower fade. For the Glock: Check how far the purple extends toward the barrel - full fades have purple reaching almost to the trigger guard.
Fade Percentage Tiers
The CS2 trading community generally categorizes Fade skins into four tiers based on their percentage:
Full/Max Fade 97-100%
The most desirable tier. Maximum purple coverage with minimal or no visible gold.
- Purple extends to blade tip (knives)
- Highest premium prices
- Most liquid/easy to sell
- Collector's choice
High Fade 93-97%
Excellent fades with vibrant colors. Still commands premium but more accessible.
- Strong purple presence
- Small gold accent
- Good value for quality
- Popular with traders
Mid Fade 88-93%
Balanced fades showing all three colors clearly. Market price or slight discount.
- Visible gold, pink, purple
- Around market average pricing
- Good entry point
- Plenty of market supply
Low Fade 80-88%
More gold-dominant fades. Below market pricing but some prefer this aesthetic.
- Significant gold portion
- Discounted pricing
- Unique aesthetic appeal
- Budget-friendly option
Percentage Isn't Everything
While fade percentage is the primary value driver, other factors matter too: float value (wear condition), pattern seed for overall appearance, and market timing. A 95% fade in Factory New may be worth more than a 100% fade in Field-Tested, depending on the weapon.
Full Fade vs Max Fade: What's the Difference?
You'll often see the terms "full fade" and "max fade" used in trading discussions. While sometimes used interchangeably, there's a subtle distinction worth understanding:
Full Fade (100%)
- Technical term meaning 100% fade percentage
- Indicates maximum possible color gradient
- Used across all Fade skin types
- Calculated by third-party tools
- Objective, measurable value
Max Fade
- Community term primarily for knives
- Refers to visually maximal purple at blade tip
- Sometimes includes 98-100% fades
- Subjective based on visual inspection
- Marketing term in trading
Practical Usage
In practice, most traders use these terms interchangeably. When someone lists a knife as "max fade," they typically mean 97-100% fade percentage. However, be cautious:
- Always verify: Use tools like CSGOFloat to confirm actual percentage
- Screenshots can mislead: Lighting and angles affect appearance
- Ask for specifics: Request exact percentage before buying
- "Near max": Often means 95-97%, not actual max
Beware of Misrepresentation
Some sellers may advertise lower fades as "full fade" or "max fade" to command higher prices. Always inspect the item yourself or verify with third-party tools. Screenshots can be manipulated through lighting, angles, or even image editing. Trust numbers from reliable inspection services, not just seller claims.
Fade Skins by Weapon Type
Not all weapons have Fade finishes. Here are the primary Fade skins in CS2, grouped by popularity and value:
Knives (All Types)
Every knife type can have the Fade finish. Most valuable fade knives due to both rarity and visual impact. Popular choices include Karambit, Butterfly, and M9 Bayonet.
Glock-18 | Fade
The original Fade skin and an iconic piece of CS history. Only drops from specific cases, making it rarer than knife fades. Full fade Glocks are extremely valuable.
MAC-10 | Fade
Budget-friendly fade option. Same visual appeal as expensive fades but at a fraction of the price. Great entry point for fade collectors.
R8 Revolver | Fade
Niche choice for R8 enthusiasts. Less trading volume but dedicated collector base. Full fades are proportionally harder to find.
MP7 | Fade
Underrated fade skin with clean aesthetics. Lower demand keeps prices accessible. Popular with players who use MP7 regularly.
Sport Gloves | Fade
While not exactly "Fade," Sport Gloves Fade follows similar color patterns. Pairs beautifully with Fade knives for matching loadouts.
Best Knife Types for Fade
Some knife types showcase the Fade finish better than others due to blade shape and size:
| Knife Type | Fade Showcase | Popular Choice? |
|---|---|---|
| Karambit | Excellent - curved blade shows full gradient | Most popular fade knife |
| Butterfly Knife | Excellent - large blade surface area | Very popular, flashy animations |
| M9 Bayonet | Great - long blade displays gradient clearly | Classic choice, good value |
| Bayonet | Good - straightforward fade display | Budget premium option |
| Flip Knife | Good - compact but visible gradient | Entry-level fade knife |
| Gut Knife | Average - shorter blade limits impact | Budget option |
How to Check Fade Percentage
Never buy a Fade skin without verifying its exact percentage. Here are the tools and methods for accurate fade checking:
CSGOFloat
The most popular tool for checking skin details including fade percentage. Provides accurate calculations based on pattern seed.
Visit CSGOFloat →CSGOFloat Market Extension
Browser extension that displays fade percentage directly on Steam Market listings. Essential for traders.
Get Extension →CSGOZone Database
Community database with fade percentage data. Useful for pattern seed research and comparisons.
Visit CSGOZone →Buff163 / Third-Party Markets
Most third-party marketplaces display fade percentage in listings. Always verify before purchasing.
Our Marketplace Guide →Step-by-Step: Checking Fade on Steam Market
- Install CSGOFloat Extension: Available for Chrome/Firefox
- Browse Steam Market: Search for your desired Fade skin
- View Listings: Extension shows fade % next to each listing
- Sort by Fade: Filter to find desired percentage range
- Verify Before Purchase: Click to inspect and confirm percentage
Step-by-Step: Checking Fade via Inspect Link
- Get Inspect Link: Copy from Steam Market listing or trade offer
- Go to CSGOFloat: Visit csgofloat.com
- Paste Inspect Link: Enter in the search/check box
- View Results: See exact fade percentage, float value, and more
Don't Trust Visual Inspection Alone
Screenshots and in-game inspect can be misleading due to lighting, angles, and display settings. A 90% fade can look like 95% in favorable lighting, and vice versa. Always use objective tools to verify exact percentages before making purchasing decisions. The difference between 90% and 95% can mean hundreds of dollars on valuable items.
Buying Tips for Fade Skins
Whether you're buying your first Fade skin or adding to your collection, these tips will help you make smart purchases:
For Full Fade Buyers
- Verify percentage: Confirm 97%+ with tools, not seller claims
- Compare prices: Check multiple platforms (Steam, Buff163, CSFloat)
- Consider float: A FN full fade is worth more than FT full fade
- Check liquidity: Full fades sell faster if you need to resell
- Be patient: Full fades are rare; wait for good deals
For Value Buyers
- Mid fades offer value: 90-95% fades look great at lower prices
- Some prefer low fades: The gold aesthetic has its fans
- Don't overpay for mids: Know the difference between 90% and 95% pricing
- Consider MAC-10 Fade: Full fade experience at budget price
- Watch for mislabeled items: Verify sellers' fade claims
Price Negotiation Tips
Knowledge Is Leverage
When negotiating Fade skin prices, knowing the exact percentage gives you leverage. If a seller claims "high fade" but it's actually 91%, you can negotiate based on the real value. Use CSGOFloat data and recent sales of similar percentages to justify your offers. Check price history for recent comparable sales.
Fade vs Other Pattern-Based Skins
Fade is one of several pattern-dependent skin types in CS2. Here's how it compares to other popular pattern finishes:
| Pattern Type | How Percentage Works | Premium Potential | Liquidity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fade | 80-100% based on color coverage | High (20-100%+ for full fade) | Good - standardized system |
| Doppler | Phases 1-4, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Black Pearl | Very High (special phases) | Excellent - clear categories |
| Case Hardened | Blue gem % based on pattern seed | Extreme (up to 10-50x for tier 1) | Poor - niche market |
| Marble Fade | Fire & Ice, Blue Dominant, etc. | High (Fire & Ice premiums) | Moderate - specific patterns |
| Crimson Web | Number and placement of webs | Moderate to High | Moderate - subjective value |
Why Fade Is Popular for Trading
- Standardized system: Percentage is objective and calculable
- Widely understood: Most traders know fade values
- Good liquidity: Full fades sell quickly
- Predictable premiums: Price curves are established
- Visual appeal: Gradient is universally attractive
For more information on other pattern types, see our comprehensive Skin Patterns Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fade percentage in CS2?
Fade percentage refers to how much of the pink/purple color gradient is visible on a Fade skin. Percentages range from approximately 80% (more yellow/gold visible) to 100% (maximum pink/purple). Higher fade percentages typically command premium prices because collectors prefer the fuller, more vibrant color gradient.
What is the difference between full fade and max fade?
Full fade (100% fade) means the skin shows the maximum amount of pink/purple color possible for that weapon. Max fade is a community term specifically used for knives, referring to the highest possible fade percentage (around 99-100%) where the purple extends to the very tip of the blade. For most purposes, full fade and max fade are used interchangeably.
How do I check fade percentage on a CS2 skin?
You can check fade percentage using third-party tools like CSGOFloat (csgofloat.com) or CSGOZone (csgozone.net). These tools analyze the skin's pattern seed and calculate the exact fade percentage. Simply enter the skin's inspect link or search for items on the Steam Market to see their fade percentages displayed.
Do all Fade skins have the same percentage system?
Yes and no. All Fade skins use a similar color gradient system, but the visual appearance varies by weapon. For example, a 90% Glock Fade looks different from a 90% Karambit Fade because of the weapon shape. Each weapon has its own reference images for comparing fade percentages, but the underlying percentage calculation is consistent.
How much premium do high fade percentages command?
Premium varies significantly by weapon and market conditions. For knives, a 100% (max/full) fade typically commands 10-30% premium over a 90% fade, and potentially 50-100%+ premium over an 80% fade. The Glock Fade can see even larger premiums for full fades, sometimes 2-3x the price of lower percentages. Popular knives like Karambit and Butterfly see the highest absolute premiums.
Which CS2 skins have the Fade finish?
Fade is available on many items including: Knives (all knife types), Glock-18, MAC-10, R8 Revolver, MP7, and certain gloves have fade-like finishes (Sport Gloves Fade). Knives and the Glock-18 are the most popular and valuable Fade items in the game.
Are lower fade percentages worth buying?
Lower fade percentages (80-90%) can be excellent value if you want the Fade aesthetic without paying full fade premiums. Many players actually prefer the yellow/gold portions of low fades for certain weapon aesthetics. The key is to buy at appropriate prices - don't pay full fade prices for an 80% fade, but don't avoid them entirely if you like the look.
Responsible Trading
CS2 skin trading involves financial risk. Prices fluctuate and fade premiums can change with market conditions. Only invest what you can afford to lose, and always verify skin attributes before purchasing. If you need help with gambling-related issues, visit BeGambleAware.
Last updated: January 2026