CS2 Trade-Up Float Calculator
Calculate the exact output float range for CS2 trade-up contracts. Predict minimum, maximum, and average float values before executing your trade-up to make informed decisions.
Interactive Trade-Up Float Calculator
Enter the float values of your 10 input skins and specify the output collection's float range to calculate your expected output float. This calculator uses Valve's official trade-up formula for precise predictions.
Input Skin Float Values (10 Skins Required)
Output Collection Float Range
Enter the minimum and maximum float values for the skin you're trying to get. Different skins have different float caps.
How to use: Enter the exact float values of your 10 input skins (check them in-game or on CSFloat/Buff). Set the output collection's float range (found on skin databases like CSFloat). The calculator shows the minimum, expected, and maximum possible output floats.
How Trade-Up Float Calculation Works
Trade-up contracts in CS2 use a deterministic formula to calculate the output skin's float value. Understanding this formula allows you to precisely predict and optimize your trade-up outcomes.
The Core Concept
When you execute a trade-up contract with 10 input skins, the game calculates the output float using these factors:
- Average Input Float: The mean of all 10 input skin float values
- Output Collection Range: Each skin has a minimum and maximum possible float defined by its collection
- Variance Factor: A small random modifier (±0.03) that creates a range of possible outcomes
The output float is essentially a remapping of your average input float onto the output skin's float range, with some randomness added. This means lower input floats generally produce lower output floats, but the exact result varies within a predictable range.
Why Float Ranges Matter
Different CS2 skins have different float caps. For example:
- Most skins: 0.00 - 1.00 (all conditions possible)
- Some skins: 0.00 - 0.80 (no Battle-Scarred possible)
- Some skins: 0.06 - 0.80 (no Factory New or Battle-Scarred)
- Covert trade-ups to knives/gloves: Often 0.00 - 1.00
These caps significantly affect your trade-up strategy. A skin capped at 0.65 max will never be Battle-Scarred, so using high-float inputs is less punishing.
The Official Trade-Up Float Formula
Valve uses the following formula to calculate trade-up contract output floats. This formula was reverse-engineered by the CS2 community and has been verified through extensive testing.
Trade-Up Float Formula
Output Float = (Max - Min) × Average Input Float + Min + Random(-0.03, 0.03)
Where:
• Max = Output skin's maximum possible float
• Min = Output skin's minimum possible float
• Average Input Float = Sum of 10 input floats ÷ 10
• Random = Random value between -0.03 and +0.03
Formula Breakdown
The formula works by:
- Calculating the range: (Max - Min) determines the float "space" available
- Positioning within range: Your average input float determines where in that range you land (0% = minimum, 100% = maximum)
- Adding variance: The ±0.03 random factor creates unpredictability within a small window
Practical Example
If you trade up 10 skins averaging 0.15 float, targeting a skin with 0.00-0.50 range:
- Base calculation: (0.50 - 0.00) × 0.15 + 0.00 = 0.075
- With variance: 0.075 ± 0.03 = range of 0.045 to 0.105
- Result: You'll get somewhere between 0.045 and 0.105 float
This mathematical foundation is documented by community researchers on platforms like the Steam Community Forums and has been verified through analysis of thousands of trade-up contracts.
Common Collection Float Ranges
Knowing the float ranges of popular collections helps you plan effective trade-ups. Here are some commonly used collections and their float caps:
| Collection/Skin Type | Min Float | Max Float | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Standard Skins | 0.00 | 1.00 | All wear conditions possible |
| Some Covert Skins | 0.00 | 0.80 | No BS possible |
| Certain Restricted Skins | 0.06 | 0.80 | No FN or BS |
| Some Mil-Spec Skins | 0.00 | 0.65 | Max at FT range |
| Knives (Most Types) | 0.00 | 1.00 | Full range available |
| Gloves (Most Types) | 0.06 | 0.80 | No FN typically |
Important: Always verify the exact float range of your target skin before executing a trade-up. You can check float ranges on databases like CSFloat or the Steam Community Market inspect feature. Float caps vary by individual skin, not just collection.
Float Optimization Strategies
Smart trade-up traders use float calculation to maximize value. Here are proven strategies based on the mathematics.
Strategy 1: Low Float Hunting
To get the lowest possible output float:
- Use 10 skins with the lowest floats you can afford
- Target outputs with 0.00 minimum float caps
- Accept that even with perfect inputs, variance adds up to +0.03
- Factory New outputs require average input below ~0.04 for most skins
Strategy 2: Wear Condition Targeting
Calculate what average input float you need to guarantee a specific wear:
- Factory New (0.00-0.07): Need very low inputs; even 0.03 variance can push you to MW
- Minimal Wear (0.07-0.15): More achievable; aim for 0.05-0.10 average input
- Field-Tested (0.15-0.38): Largest range; easiest to hit consistently
- Well-Worn (0.38-0.45): Narrow range; tricky to target precisely
- Battle-Scarred (0.45-1.00): Only possible if output allows high floats
Strategy 3: Collection Float Cap Exploitation
Use float caps to your advantage:
- If output caps at 0.50, using 0.30 average input still gives relatively "good" wear
- Skins capped at 0.06 minimum can never be FN—plan accordingly
- Lower max caps compress the output range, making results more predictable
Strategy 4: Cost-Benefit Analysis
Low float inputs cost more. Calculate whether the float improvement justifies the extra cost:
- Compare price difference between 0.01 and 0.05 float inputs
- Estimate output float improvement value
- Factor in the random variance—you might overpay for marginal improvement
For more on trade-up strategy, see our comprehensive Trade-Up Contract Guide which covers outcome probability and profit calculations.
Practical Trade-Up Examples
Let's walk through real-world scenarios to demonstrate how float calculation works in practice.
Example 1: Premium Low Float Trade-Up
Scenario: You want to craft a low-float Covert skin from a Classified trade-up.
- Input skins: 10 Classified skins with 0.01 float each
- Average input: 0.01
- Target output range: 0.00 - 1.00 (standard)
- Calculation: (1.00 - 0.00) × 0.01 + 0.00 = 0.01
- With variance: 0.01 ± 0.03 = 0.00 to 0.04
- Result: Guaranteed Factory New output (0.00-0.07 threshold)
Example 2: Budget Trade-Up
Scenario: You're using cheaper, higher-float inputs.
- Input skins: 10 skins averaging 0.25 float
- Target output range: 0.00 - 0.80
- Calculation: (0.80 - 0.00) × 0.25 + 0.00 = 0.20
- With variance: 0.20 ± 0.03 = 0.17 to 0.23
- Result: Field-Tested output (0.15-0.38 threshold)
Example 3: Capped Float Target
Scenario: Trading up to a skin with restricted float range.
- Input skins: 10 skins averaging 0.40 float
- Target output range: 0.06 - 0.50 (no FN, no BS)
- Calculation: (0.50 - 0.06) × 0.40 + 0.06 = 0.236
- With variance: 0.236 ± 0.03 = 0.206 to 0.266
- Result: Field-Tested output, which is reasonable given the restricted range
The key insight: even "bad" inputs can produce acceptable results when targeting skins with restrictive float caps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the trade-up float formula?
The formula is extremely accurate. It's been reverse-engineered by the CS2 community through thousands of documented trade-ups and matches Valve's internal calculations. The only uncertainty is the ±0.03 random variance, which is consistent and predictable as a range. The formula has been validated by researchers on platforms like r/GlobalOffensiveTrade through extensive testing.
Can I guarantee a Factory New output?
Yes, but you need very low input floats. For a standard 0.00-1.00 output skin, your average input needs to be below approximately 0.04 to guarantee FN (accounting for +0.03 variance pushing you to max 0.07). For skins with lower max caps, the threshold is proportionally lower.
Does the order of input skins matter?
No. The trade-up system uses the arithmetic mean of all 10 input floats. The order you add skins doesn't affect the calculation—only the average matters.
What happens if I use fewer than 10 skins?
You cannot execute a trade-up contract with fewer than 10 skins. The game requires exactly 10 input skins of the same rarity tier (e.g., all Mil-Spec or all Restricted).
How do I find a skin's float range?
Check skin databases like CSFloat, the CS2 Wiki, or inspect the skin in-game. Most databases show the minimum and maximum possible float for each skin. This information is determined by Valve when the skin is created.
Is lower float always better?
Generally yes for value, but it depends on the skin. Some finishes (like Patina) look intentionally worn and may be preferred in higher floats. For most skins, lower float = fewer scratches = higher value. However, the price premium for extremely low floats may not be worth the marginal visual improvement.
Can StatTrak affect the float calculation?
No. StatTrak status is determined separately from float value. The float formula works identically for StatTrak and non-StatTrak skins. However, StatTrak inputs will produce StatTrak outputs (and vice versa), as documented in the Steam Support documentation.
Related CS2 Tools & Guides
Explore more tools to help with your CS2 trade-up decisions:
- Trade-Up Calculator - Calculate outcome probabilities and expected profit/loss
- Float Checker - Analyze any skin's float value and percentile ranking
- Float Values Explained - Comprehensive guide to understanding CS2 float values
- Trade-Up Contract Guide - Complete guide to trade-up mechanics and strategy
- Skin Rarity Tiers Guide - Understanding rarity colors and trade-up pools
- All CS2 Tools - Browse our complete collection of calculators
Expert Perspective:
"Understanding the trade-up float formula transforms trade-ups from gambling into calculated decisions. By knowing exactly what output float range to expect, you can price your inputs appropriately and determine whether a trade-up contract offers positive expected value. The math doesn't lie—use it to your advantage rather than hoping for lucky outcomes."
Last updated: January 2026