CS2 Low Float & Float Ranking Guide
Dive deep into the world of low float collecting in CS2. Learn how float rankings work, discover where to find #1 world floats, understand premium pricing for ultra-clean skins, and master the art of building a prestigious low float collection.
Table of Contents
What Is Low Float?
Every CS2 skin has a float value between 0.00 and 1.00 that determines its wear appearance. Lower float values mean cleaner, less worn skins. While the float value system defines wear conditions (Factory New, Minimal Wear, etc.), "low float" refers specifically to skins at the absolute cleanest end of their possible range.
The highlighted area represents the "low float" zone - the cleanest possible skins
Key Concept: Low Float
A "low float" typically refers to a skin with a float value of 0.00X (three or more zeros after the decimal). For example, 0.001, 0.0006, or 0.00001 would all be considered low floats. The lower the number, the cleaner the skin and the higher the potential premium. Collectors specifically seek these ultra-clean examples.
Why Low Float Matters
- Visual Quality: Low float skins have minimal scratches and wear marks
- Collector Status: Owning a top-ranked float shows prestige and dedication
- Value Premium: Low floats command significant premiums over regular FN skins
- Rarity: Truly low floats are statistically rare - most skins fall in the middle of their range
- Investment: World-ranked floats often appreciate better than average skins
Understanding Float Rankings
Float rankings are a community-driven system that tracks and ranks every known copy of a skin by its float value. When you hear someone say they have the "#1 float" or a "top 10 float," they're referring to their skin's position in these world rankings.
How Float Rankings Work
Float databases like CSGOFloat continuously scan and index CS2 inventories and market listings. Each skin is tracked by:
- Skin Type: Rankings are per specific skin (e.g., "AK-47 | Fire Serpent" has its own ranking)
- Float Value: All known copies are sorted from lowest to highest float
- Ranking Position: #1 is the absolute lowest known float, #2 is second lowest, etc.
- StatTrak Separation: StatTrak and non-StatTrak versions have separate rankings
Understanding Ranking Scope
Rankings only include skins that have been inspected/indexed by the database. A #1 ranking means lowest known float - there could theoretically be a lower float that hasn't been discovered yet. However, for popular skins, databases have indexed nearly all existing copies, making rankings highly reliable.
What Makes a Good Float Ranking?
| Ranking | Collector Value | Typical Premium |
|---|---|---|
| #1 World | Ultimate collector's item - the cleanest in existence | 10x - 100x+ market price |
| #2 - #5 | Extremely prestigious, often nearly identical to #1 | 5x - 50x market price |
| #6 - #10 | Top 10 status, highly sought after | 3x - 20x market price |
| #11 - #50 | Excellent collector piece, still very rare | 2x - 10x market price |
| #51 - #100 | Top 100 status, notable for popular skins | 1.5x - 5x market price |
| Top 1% | Very clean, good for personal collections | 1.2x - 2x market price |
Float Ranking Tiers
The collecting community generally recognizes four tiers of float ranking prestige:
Legendary Tier #1 - #10
The pinnacle of low float collecting. These are museum-quality pieces that serious collectors compete for.
- #1 is the ultimate prize - the cleanest known copy
- Trades often negotiated privately
- Provenance and history tracked by community
- May appear in showcase collections and videos
Elite Tier #11 - #50
Exceptional skins that represent the top fraction of a percent of all copies.
- Significant collector appeal
- Often command strong premiums
- Recognizable ranking for trading
- Good balance of prestige and availability
Premium Tier #51 - #250
High-quality low floats that stand out from typical Factory New skins.
- Notable ranking for popular skins
- Meaningful premium over market
- More accessible entry point
- Good for building collections
Standard Low Float 0.00X
Any skin with a 0.00X float (three zeros after decimal) without a notable ranking.
- Clean appearance but no ranking prestige
- Small premium over average FN
- Good for personal use
- Common on popular skins
Ranking Significance Varies by Skin
A #50 ranking on a common skin like the AK-47 Redline might not mean much since there are millions of copies. But a #50 ranking on a rare skin like the AWP Dragon Lore is extremely prestigious. Always consider the total supply and demand for that specific skin when evaluating ranking significance.
Float Databases & Tracking
Several services track float values and rankings for CS2 skins. Here are the primary tools collectors use:
CSGOFloat
The most comprehensive and widely-used float database in the CS2 community. Tracks millions of skins with detailed float data.
- World rankings for every skin
- Browser extension for Steam Market
- Marketplace with float-based search
- Historical tracking and statistics
- API access for developers
CSGOFloat Chrome Extension
Browser extension that displays float values directly on Steam Market listings and inventory pages.
- Instant float display on Steam
- Works on market listings
- Shows ranking when available
- One-click inspect links
- Free to use
FloatDB
Alternative database service focusing on rare skins and special patterns alongside float tracking.
- Focus on high-tier skins
- Pattern + float combination tracking
- Owner history for rare items
- Integration with trading platforms
Third-Party Marketplaces
Platforms like Buff163 and CSFloat Market display float data directly in their listings.
- Float-based filtering and search
- Price correlation with float
- Easy comparison shopping
- Verified float information
Steam Community Market
The official Steam Community Market doesn't show floats natively but can be enhanced with extensions.
- Official Valve marketplace
- Works with float extensions
- Inspect links available
- Price history tracking
Verify Before Buying
Always independently verify float values and rankings before purchasing expensive low float skins. Use the official CSGOFloat database or inspect the item yourself using Steam's inspect feature. Don't rely solely on seller screenshots or claims - float manipulation scams exist where sellers misrepresent float values.
Float Caps & Minimum Values
Not all skins can achieve the same minimum float value. Each skin finish has a defined float cap - the absolute minimum and maximum possible float values for that skin. Understanding float caps is crucial for collectors because it determines what "low float" actually means for each skin.
How Float Caps Work
When Valve creates a skin, they define a float range for that finish. The range determines:
- Minimum Cap: The lowest possible float (e.g., 0.00 or 0.06)
- Maximum Cap: The highest possible float (e.g., 0.80 or 1.00)
- Available Wear Conditions: Some skins can't exist in certain conditions
Float Cap Examples
Cannot exist in FN
Can achieve 0.000X
Can achieve 0.000X
FT to WW only
Full range available
Can achieve 0.000X
Float Cap Implications for Collectors
- Relative Value: A 0.061 AK Asiimov is as "low float" as that skin can be, making it valuable despite not being 0.00X
- Research Required: Know the float cap before judging if a float is "good"
- Skins That Can't Be FN: Some popular skins (Asiimov, Redline) never exist in Factory New due to their caps
- Ultra-Low Possibilities: Skins with 0.00 minimum caps can achieve extremely low floats (0.0000X)
Check Float Caps Before Trading
Use resources like CSGOStash to look up the float range for any skin. This helps you understand whether a seller's "low float" claim is actually impressive for that specific skin, or if they're misrepresenting a mediocre float as special.
Factory New vs Low Float
A common misconception is that all Factory New skins are "low float." In reality, Factory New is a wear condition category, while "low float" refers to a specific subset at the cleanest end of that range.
Factory New (FN)
- Any skin with float 0.00 - 0.07
- Broad category with wide range
- 0.069 FN looks visibly worn
- Standard market pricing
- Easily obtainable
- Good for regular gameplay
Low Float (0.00X or better)
- Specifically 0.00X or better floats
- Narrow, premium subset
- Minimal to no visible wear
- Premium pricing required
- Requires specific searching
- Collector and prestige focused
Visual Difference Within FN
The difference between a high-FN (0.06+) and a low-FN (0.00X) can be significant on certain skins:
| Float Range | Visual Quality | Price Expectation |
|---|---|---|
| 0.060 - 0.070 | Visible scratches, especially on edges and high-wear zones | Low end of FN market pricing |
| 0.030 - 0.059 | Some minor wear marks, generally clean appearance | Average FN market pricing |
| 0.010 - 0.029 | Very clean, minimal visible wear | Slight premium possible |
| 0.001 - 0.009 | Extremely clean, near-perfect condition | Notable premium (10-50%+) |
| 0.0001 - 0.0009 | Essentially perfect, collector grade | Significant premium (50-200%+) |
| < 0.0001 | Ultra-rare territory, museum quality | Premium based on ranking |
Skin-Dependent Visibility
How much float affects visual appearance varies by skin finish. Some finishes (like Asiimov) show wear very prominently even at their minimum float. Others (like solid colors or simple patterns) may look nearly identical across the entire FN range. Understanding your specific skin's wear behavior helps you decide if paying for lower float is worthwhile visually.
Collecting Strategy
Building a quality low float collection requires strategy, patience, and knowledge. Here are different approaches collectors take:
The Perfectionist
Focus on acquiring #1 or top 10 floats for select skins. Quality over quantity. Requires significant budget and patience but builds the most prestigious collection.
The Completionist
Build a full loadout where every skin is 0.00X or better. Balance between cost and quality. Creates a consistently clean inventory without breaking the bank.
The Specialist
Focus on one weapon category or skin family. Become known as the "AK low float collector" or similar. Deep expertise in a narrow area.
The Investor
Target undervalued low floats with potential for appreciation. Focus on skins where low float premium isn't yet fully priced in. Requires market research.
The Upgrader
Continuously upgrade existing skins to lower floats. Sell higher-float versions to fund lower-float replacements. Gradual improvement over time.
The Value Hunter
Hunt for mispriced low floats on Steam Market or third-party sites. Sellers sometimes list low floats at regular prices. Requires constant monitoring.
Low Float Collecting Tips
- Install Float Extensions: Use CSGOFloat extension to see floats while browsing
- Set Up Alerts: Some services allow alerts when specific float ranges are listed
- Check Frequently: The best deals appear and disappear quickly
- Negotiate Directly: For expensive pieces, direct negotiation often yields better prices
- Verify Everything: Always double-check float values before purchasing
- Know Your Float Caps: Research minimum floats for skins you're targeting
- Consider Trade-Ups: Trade-up contracts can produce low floats predictably
Famous Low Floats
Some low float skins have achieved legendary status in the CS2 community due to their extreme rarity and the stories behind them:
AWP | Dragon Lore (Factory New)
The most prestigious low float collectible. #1 Dragon Lores have sold for tens of thousands of dollars, with the cleanest examples being museum pieces passed between elite collectors.
AK-47 | Fire Serpent (Factory New)
One of the most sought-after AK skins in low float form. The Fire Serpent's detailed artwork shows wear prominently, making low floats especially desirable.
M4A4 | Howl (Factory New)
As a contraband skin that can no longer drop, low float Howls are exceptionally rare. Each clean example is tracked carefully by the collecting community. See our Contraband Skins Guide for more.
Karambit | Doppler (Sapphire/Ruby)
Rare Doppler phases in low float form represent the intersection of two premium categories. These pieces command astronomical prices from collectors seeking perfection.
Sport Gloves | Pandora's Box
Gloves with their 0.06 minimum cap make low floats relative. A 0.060X Pandora's Box is as clean as possible, making it the "low float" for this skin despite not being 0.00X.
AK-47 | Case Hardened (#1 Pattern + Low Float)
The combination of blue gem patterns with low float creates the ultimate Case Hardened pieces. These rare combinations are among the most valuable skins in existence.
Investment Considerations
Low float skins can be excellent investments, but they come with unique considerations compared to regular skin trading. Understanding these factors helps you make informed decisions.
Advantages of Low Float Investing
- Rarity provides natural value floor
- Collector demand is consistent
- Top rankings can't be replicated
- Premium typically grows over time
- Community recognition and prestige
- Less affected by general market downturns
Challenges of Low Float Investing
- Smaller buyer pool than regular skins
- Longer holding periods needed
- Harder to price accurately
- Premium may not be realized on quick sales
- Requires specialized knowledge
- Higher capital requirements per item
Investment Tips
- Focus on Popular Skins: Low floats on popular skins have more consistent demand
- Verify Rankings: Rankings can change as new skins are discovered - track your position
- Document Everything: Keep screenshots and records of your float rankings
- Network with Collectors: Many top-tier trades happen through collector communities
- Patience is Key: Finding the right buyer at the right price takes time
- Consider Liquidity: Balance prestige against your ability to sell when needed
For broader investment strategies, see our Skin Investment Strategies Guide.
Verification Methods
Protecting yourself when buying low float skins is crucial. Scammers may misrepresent float values, manipulate screenshots, or make false ranking claims. Always verify independently using official tools and databases.
How to Verify Float Values
- Get the Inspect Link: Request the Steam inspect link for the item via the Steam Community Market
- Use CSGOFloat: Paste the inspect link into CSGOFloat's checker
- Check the Database: Verify the ranking on the official database
- Cross-Reference: Use multiple sources if dealing with expensive items
- Inspect In-Game: Actually inspect the item in CS2 before finalizing
Common Low Float Scams
- Fake Screenshots: Edited images showing lower float than reality
- Bait and Switch: Showing one item but trading another
- False Rankings: Claiming a ranking that doesn't exist or has changed
- Outdated Data: Using old screenshots when ranking has dropped
- Inflated Pricing: Demanding premium for floats that don't warrant it
For trading safety information, consult Steam's official trading FAQ. See our Account Security Guide for more protection tips. If you're concerned about spending habits, visit BeGambleAware for resources and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a low float in CS2?
A low float refers to a skin with a float value very close to the minimum possible for that weapon finish. Float values range from 0.00 to 1.00, where lower numbers mean less wear. For Factory New skins (0.00-0.07), a "low float" typically means 0.00X or better. The absolute lowest possible float is determined by each skin's float cap - some skins can go as low as 0.0000X while others cap at 0.06.
What is a #1 float or world ranking float?
A #1 float means that specific skin has the lowest known float value in the world for that particular skin type. Float databases like CSGOFloat track all inspected skins and rank them by float value. Being ranked #1 (or in the top 10) adds significant collector value, as these are the cleanest possible versions of that skin in existence.
How much premium do low floats command?
Low float premiums vary dramatically. A 0.00X Factory New might be 10-50% over market price. Top 10 world rankings can add 100-500% premium. The #1 lowest float of a popular skin can command 10-100x the normal price or more. Premiums are highest for popular skins like AWP Dragon Lore, AK-47 Fire Serpent, and high-tier knives.
How do I check if my skin has a good float ranking?
Use float database services like CSGOFloat (csgofloat.com) or CSGOFloat's browser extension. Enter your skin's inspect link or search their database to see where your float ranks among all known copies of that skin. The database shows world rankings and lets you see how many cleaner copies exist.
What is a float cap?
A float cap is the minimum or maximum possible float value for a specific skin. Each skin finish has defined limits - for example, some skins cap at 0.06 minimum (meaning they can never be cleaner than 0.06), while others can reach 0.0000X. Understanding float caps is crucial for collectors because it determines how "low" a low float can actually be for that particular skin.
Is low float the same as Factory New?
No. Factory New (FN) is any skin with a float between 0.00 and 0.07. Within Factory New, there's a huge range - a 0.069 FN looks noticeably more worn than a 0.001 FN. "Low float" specifically means a float at the lowest end of the FN range, typically 0.00X or better. All low floats are Factory New, but not all Factory New skins are considered "low float."
Are low floats worth the investment?
Low floats can be excellent investments for popular, liquid skins where collectors actively seek clean copies. However, they require more specialized knowledge to buy and sell correctly. Premium skins with world rankings hold value well. Low floats on unpopular skins may not command meaningful premiums. Consider liquidity, demand, and your exit strategy before investing heavily in low floats.
Can float rankings change over time?
Yes. If a new skin with a lower float is discovered (from case openings, trade-ups, or newly inspected items), rankings shift down. Your #1 could become #2. This is rare for popular skins where most copies are already indexed, but it's a possibility. Track your rankings periodically, especially for less common skins.
How do I find low float skins to buy?
Use the CSGOFloat marketplace which allows filtering by float value. Third-party marketplaces like Buff163 and CSFloat also display floats. Monitor Steam Market with the CSGOFloat extension installed. Join collector communities and trading subreddits where low floats are listed. Set up alerts on float tracking services if available.
Do StatTrak and non-StatTrak have separate rankings?
Yes. StatTrak and non-StatTrak versions of the same skin are tracked separately. The #1 StatTrak Fire Serpent is different from the #1 non-StatTrak Fire Serpent. Each has its own ranking ladder. StatTrak versions are rarer (10% of drops), so top rankings may be relatively easier to achieve but the pool of collectors is also smaller.