CS2 float values explained: what they mean and why they change the price
4 min read
Two CS2 skins can share the same name and still look very different. The reason is the float value: a number between 0 and 1 that decides how worn the paint is. If you trade skins, knowing how float works is the easiest way to avoid overpaying.
What the float value is
Every skin is created with a random float. The lower the number, the cleaner the item looks. A float of 0.0012 is almost perfect; a float of 0.91 is heavily scratched. The float never changes after the item is created, no matter how much you use it.
Floats and exteriors
The float decides which exterior (wear) name the item gets:
| Exterior | Float range |
|---|---|
| Factory New | 0.00 – 0.07 |
| Minimal Wear | 0.07 – 0.15 |
| Field-Tested | 0.15 – 0.38 |
| Well-Worn | 0.38 – 0.45 |
| Battle-Scarred | 0.45 – 1.00 |
Many skins don't use the whole range. Some only go down to 0.06 or up to 0.80, which means certain exteriors simply don't exist for them.
Why float matters for price
Inside one exterior, prices still vary. A Field-Tested skin at 0.151 looks almost Minimal Wear, while one at 0.37 is close to Well-Worn. Collectors pay a premium for the lowest floats in each range, and for very low floats on Factory New items.
Pattern (paint seed)
Besides the float, every skin has a paint seed from 0 to 1000 that decides how the pattern is placed. For most skins it barely matters. For some (Case Hardened, Fade, Doppler, Marble Fade) it changes the look completely and can multiply the price.
How to use this when buying
- Check the exact float, not just the exterior name.
- Compare listings of the same item sorted by float: the cheapest isn't always the best value.
- Use the inspect button to see the item in game before you buy.
On SkinLab every offer shows its float and paint seed, and you can sort an item's offers by float. Browse the market to compare them yourself.