CS2 Float Values Explained
A skin's "float value" is the hidden number that determines its exact wear tier and visual condition — the same skin name can look meaningfully different (and be priced very differently) depending on where its float lands. This page covers the wear ranges and how to check one.
Updated September 16, 2026
The five wear tiers
| Wear tier | Float range | General appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Factory New (FN) | 0.00 – 0.07 | Crisp, minimal to no visible wear |
| Minimal Wear (MW) | 0.07 – 0.15 | Light wear, small scuffs |
| Field-Tested (FT) | 0.15 – 0.38 | Moderate, visible wear |
| Well-Worn (WW) | 0.38 – 0.45 | Heavy wear, noticeably faded/scratched |
| Battle-Scarred (BS) | 0.45 – 1.00 | Maximum wear, most faded/scratched appearance |
Not every skin’s possible float range covers the full 0.00–1.00 span — many skins have a minimum and maximum float set by their own item definition, meaning some never appear in Factory New or Battle-Scarred at all regardless of how many copies are generated.
Why float matters for price
Within the same wear-tier name, a lower float generally commands a higher price, especially near a tier boundary — a Field-Tested skin with a float of 0.151 (just above the Minimal Wear cutoff) is often marketed and priced at a premium over one at 0.30, even though both display the same “Field-Tested” tier name. This is why serious buyers check the exact float number rather than relying on the tier name alone.
Checking a skin’s exact float
The wear tier alone (shown in the item’s market name) only tells you which range it falls in — to see the precise float number, you need the item’s inspect-in-game link (available on the Market listing page or from your own inventory) run through a float-checking tool. Always verify the float yourself through the item’s actual inspect link before paying a premium for a “low float” claim in a listing — a stated float in a description isn’t verified until you check it directly.
Float vs. pattern
Float and pattern are separate, independently generated properties. Float determines wear/condition (the ranges above); pattern (sometimes called “paint seed”) determines things like where a pattern sits on the item, or — for finishes like Doppler — which visual phase you get. See the Doppler phases guide for how pattern-driven variants work on knives specifically.
FAQ
What is a float value, exactly?
A decimal number between 0 and 1, generated when the item is created, that determines how worn the skin's texture appears. Lower numbers mean less wear (crisper, cleaner appearance); higher numbers mean more wear (scratched, faded appearance). It's fixed for that specific item instance and doesn't change through normal trading.
What are the five wear tiers and their float ranges?
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. These ranges are standard across all skins that support the full wear range, though not every skin's possible float range spans all five tiers — some skins have a capped minimum or maximum float set by their specific item definition.
Does a lower float always mean a more expensive skin?
Generally yes within the same wear tier and skin — a very low Field-Tested float close to the Minimal Wear boundary (sometimes advertised as 'low float FT') commands a premium over a float in the middle of that tier's range. It's not universal across every skin, since some patterns actually look better at certain wear levels regardless of the raw float number, but as a general rule, lower float within a tier is valued higher.
How do I check a skin's exact float value?
Third-party inspection tools that read the item's inspect link (available from the Steam Market listing or your inventory) will report the exact float number, not just the wear-tier name. The wear tier alone (shown in the item's name) only tells you the range, not the precise value within it.
Is float the same thing as a skin's pattern or 'phase'?
No — float controls wear/condition, while pattern (or phase, for finishes like Doppler) controls the visual pattern placement or color variant. They're independent properties generated separately, and a skin's full identity depends on both plus its base skin and rarity.
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