What is a Float Value?
In Counter-Strike 2, every single skin generated (whether dropped in-game or unboxed from a case) is assigned a specific, random hidden number between 0.000000000... and 1.000000000.... This number is called the Float Value.
The float value determines the condition or wear of the skin. Essentially, it dictates how scratched, faded, or dark the skin will appear in-game. A lower float means the skin looks newer and cleaner, while a higher float means it looks older and more damaged.
Important Note: The float value of a skin is completely permanent. You cannot repair a scratched skin, and using a weapon in-game does not increase its float or degrade its quality.
The 5 Wear Conditions
Based on its float value, a skin falls into one of five distinct wear categories. Each category corresponds to a specific float range:
1. Factory New (FN)
- Float Range: 0.00 - 0.07
- Appearance: Flawless or almost flawless. Colors are vibrant, and scratches are minimal to non-existent.
- Price: Usually the most expensive condition for any skin.
- Explore: Best Low Float (Factory New) Skins | Cheapest Factory New Skins
2. Minimal Wear (MW)
- Float Range: 0.07 - 0.15
- Appearance: Very slight wear, usually only noticeable upon close inspection. Often looks almost identical to Factory New but costs significantly less.
3. Field-Tested (FT)
- Float Range: 0.15 - 0.38
- Appearance: Noticeable scratches or fading, but the core artwork is usually still intact. This is the "sweet spot" for budget buyers.
- Explore: Best Field-Tested Skins in CS2
4. Well-Worn (WW)
- Float Range: 0.38 - 0.45
- Appearance: Heavy wear. Artwork may be significantly degraded, and large portions of the underlying gun metal may be exposed. WW skins are often less desirable.
5. Battle-Scarred (BS)
- Float Range: 0.45 - 1.00
- Appearance: Extremely damaged. However, for some specific skins, Battle-Scarred is highly sought after because the extreme wear creates a unique aesthetic (such as fully rusted knives).
- Explore: Best High Float (Battle-Scarred) Skins
Float Caps
It's crucial to understand that not all skins range from 0.00 to 1.00. Many skins have "Float Caps" programmed by their creators.
For example, the legendary is capped between 0.10 and 0.70. This means it is physically impossible to unbox a Factory New (0.00 - 0.07) AK-47 Redline. The best you can get is Minimal Wear (0.10).
How Float Affects Price
- Rarity: Because the float is assigned randomly on a bell curve, extreme floats (e.g., 0.00001 or 0.9999) are statistically incredibly rare. Collectors will pay massive premiums for the #1 lowest float or #1 highest float skin in the world.
- Visuals: Generally, people want their expensive skins to look pristine. Therefore, Factory New usually commands the highest price tag.
- Trade-ups: Float values are mathematically carried over when you do a Trade-Up Contract. A trade-up using only 0.01 float skins will yield a low float reward.
Float Sensitive Skins
Interestingly, not all skins wear the same way. There are different "Finish Styles" in CS2.
- Paint finishes (like the Asiimov or Vulcan) will literally chip away and show the black metal underneath.
- Patina/Gunsmith finishes (like Blue Steel or Printstream) do not get scratched. Instead, they simply get darker and less vibrant as the float increases.
- Custom finishes (like Rust Coat) actually look better (more orange and rusty) at higher floats!
Check out our guide to the Best Float-Sensitive Skins in CS2.
Summary
When buying a skin on the TAKE.SKIN Market, always check the float value. Two Field-Tested skins might have the same label, but one with a 0.16 float will look vastly better than one with a 0.37 float. Knowledge is power in the CS2 economy!
