CS2 Float Values Explained

What is a Float Value?

A float value is a numerical representation of a CS2 skin's wear condition. Every skin in Counter-Strike 2 has a float value—a decimal number ranging from 0.00000000 to 1.00000000 that determines how worn or pristine the skin appears in-game.

The float value system was introduced by Valve to add variety and rarity to weapon skins. Instead of skins being identical copies, each dropped or unboxed skin receives a unique float value, making some copies of the same skin more desirable than others. This creates an additional layer of value beyond just the skin design itself. For more on how drops work, see our CS2 Case Odds Explained guide.

Technical Details

Float values are stored as 32-bit floating-point numbers (hence the name "float"). According to Valve's item schema documentation, this allows for approximately 4.3 billion possible float values between 0 and 1, though practical differences become imperceptible at extremely fine levels of precision.

When you open a CS2 case, the game's random number generator assigns a float value within the skin's possible range. This value is then used to determine which wear condition category the skin falls into and exactly how much wear texture is applied.

The Five Wear Conditions

CS2 skins are categorized into five wear conditions based on their float value. These conditions serve as general labels that help players quickly understand a skin's approximate wear level.

Wear Condition Distribution

The float value ranges are not evenly distributed. Field-Tested covers the largest portion (0.23 range), followed by Battle-Scarred (0.55 range), while Well-Worn covers the smallest (0.07 range). This is why Well-Worn skins are sometimes rarer than Battle-Scarred skins.

How Float Values Are Determined

When a CS2 skin drops from a case or as an in-game drop, the game uses a random number generator to assign a float value. However, not all skins can receive all float values—each skin has predefined minimum and maximum float boundaries.

The Random Distribution

Float values are not uniformly distributed within a skin's float range. Research by the CS2 community, including data analyzed by Steam Community Market enthusiasts, suggests that float distribution follows a pattern that slightly favors mid-range values.

This means extremely low floats (like 0.0001) and extremely high floats (like 0.999) are genuinely rare, even within skins that can theoretically have those values. This rarity drives collector demand.

Probability Within Wear Ranges

The exact probability of getting specific float values is complex, but general observations suggest:

• Values near the extremes (0.00 or 1.00) are rarer than middle-range values
• Getting a float in the top or bottom 1% of a skin's range is significantly harder than getting a mid-range float
• Trade-up contracts follow different probability mechanics and can produce extreme floats more predictably

For those interested in understanding probability mechanics further, our Case Odds Calculator provides detailed breakdowns of rarity tier probabilities.

Understanding Float Ranges Per Skin

One of the most important concepts for skin collectors and traders is that not every skin can exist in every wear condition. Valve defines specific minimum and maximum float values for each skin when they design it.

Float Range Examples

Why Skins Have Restricted Ranges

Valve deliberately restricts some skins' float ranges for design reasons:

• Aesthetic Intent: Some skins are designed to look worn or rugged. The Asiimov series, for instance, is meant to have visible wear as part of its futuristic battle-worn aesthetic.
• Rarity and Value: Restricting ranges can create additional scarcity. A skin that can only exist in FN/MW conditions will have fewer copies in circulation.
• Visual Balance: Some paint finishes look better with slight wear, and designers may intentionally prevent pristine versions.

How Float Affects Appearance

Float value directly controls how the wear texture is applied to a skin's 3D model. This creates visible differences in how scratches, chips, and worn areas appear on the weapon.

Visual Wear Patterns

CS2 uses a wear map system where darker areas of the skin's wear map become more visible at higher float values. According to documentation from Valve Developer Community resources, this creates characteristic wear patterns:

• Edges and corners wear first (barrel tip, stock edges, magazine edges)
• High-contact areas show wear next (grip areas, bolt handles)
• Flat surfaces wear last and most gradually

Wear Pattern Consistency

All skins at the same float value have identical wear patterns. Two AK-47 | Redline skins at float 0.25 will have scratches in exactly the same positions. The randomness comes from what float value is assigned, not where the wear appears.

Important: Float Within Categories

Two skins in the same wear category can look noticeably different. A 0.07001 Minimal Wear is almost identical to a 0.06999 Factory New, but a 0.149 Minimal Wear looks significantly more worn. Always check the exact float, not just the category label.

How Float Affects Price

Float value is one of the most significant factors in determining a skin's market price. The relationship between float and price follows predictable patterns, though the magnitude varies by skin.

General Price Patterns

• Factory New commands premium: FN skins typically cost 2-10x more than Field-Tested versions
• Low floats within FN: A 0.001 FN might cost 50-500% more than a 0.06 FN
• Category boundaries matter: A 0.07001 MW is priced like MW, not FN, despite being nearly identical visually
• Field-Tested is budget tier: FT offers the best value for players who want the skin without premium costs
• Battle-Scarred discounts: BS skins often sell for 50-80% less than FN versions

Float-Sensitive Skins

Some skins are more "float-sensitive" than others—meaning float has a bigger impact on their appearance and price:

Market Implications

When trading on the Steam Community Market or third-party marketplaces, understanding float value gives you negotiating power. Always check exact floats before purchasing, as two "Factory New" listings can have vastly different actual appearances and values.

Low Float & High Float Collecting

The CS2 trading community has developed a passionate niche around collecting extreme float skins—both the lowest (cleanest) and highest (most worn) possible examples.

Low Float Collecting

Low float collectors seek skins with float values as close to the minimum as possible. A "0.000x" FN (four zeros after the decimal) is considered exceptionally rare. The rarest low floats are:

• #1 float: The single lowest float of a skin in existence (community tracked)
• Top 10/100 float: Among the cleanest known examples
• Triple/Quad zero: Float starting with 0.000 or 0.0000

Community databases like CSGOFloat track float rankings, helping collectors verify the rarity of their items. These extreme floats can sell for multiples of the standard FN price.

High Float (Max Float) Collecting

A smaller but dedicated community collects "max float" or "blackiimov" style skins—Battle-Scarred examples with floats approaching 1.0. These include:

• AWP | Blackiimov: High float Asiimovs with scope appearing nearly black
• Rust Coat appreciation: Max float Rust Coats showing maximum patina
• Irony collections: Collecting the "worst" possible version of expensive skins

How to Check Float Values

There are several methods to check a skin's exact float value before purchasing or trading:

In-Game Inspection

CS2's native inspect feature shows the wear condition label (FN, MW, FT, WW, BS) but does not display the exact float value. For precise floats, you need external tools.

Third-Party Tools

• CSGOFloat: Browser extension and website that displays exact float values on Steam Market listings
• Steam Inventory Helper: Shows floats directly in your Steam inventory
• Float inspection websites: Paste a skin's inspect link to get full float details
• Trading site float filters: Most trading platforms display floats and allow filtering by float range

What to Look For

When evaluating a skin's float:

1. Check the exact float value, not just wear category
2. Compare to the skin's minimum possible float
3. Consider how float-sensitive the skin design is
4. Look at visual wear on key areas (stock, barrel, magazine)
5. Compare prices of similar floats on the market

Float Value Trading Tips

Understanding float values gives you a significant advantage in CS2 skin trading. Here are key strategies:

Buying Tips

• Don't overpay for category: A 0.069 FN is almost identical to a 0.071 MW but costs much more
• Check multiple listings: Float varies significantly between same-priced listings
• Know skin float ranges: A 0.18 "Field-Tested" Asiimov is actually the best condition possible
• Use float filters: On trading sites, filter by max float to find the cleanest examples at each price point

Selling Tips

• Highlight good floats: If your skin has a notably low float, mention it prominently
• Price based on float: Don't undersell a 0.01 float by pricing it like a standard FN
• Know your audience: Collectors pay premiums; regular players just want the skin
• Provide screenshots: Show the skin from angles that display its condition best

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Continue learning about CS2 cases and skins with our other guides:

• Skin Patterns Guide – Blue gems, Fade percentages, Doppler phases, and pattern indexes
• CS2 Case Odds Explained – Understanding drop probabilities and rarity tiers
• Case Odds Calculator – Calculate exact probabilities for knife and StatTrak drops
• Case ROI Calculator – Determine expected value before opening cases
• Active Drop Pool Tracker – See which cases are currently dropping
• Loot Box Legal Guide – Understand regulations and responsible gaming