CSLab Reference

Exterior Types Explained

Factory New, Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn and Battle-Scarred are wear categories based on float ranges — but the exact float value still matters.

Reference Exterior Types Updated July 2026

Quick answer

What does exterior mean?

Exterior is the visible wear category of a Counter-Strike skin. It is based on the skin's float value, but it does not tell the full story by itself.

What are exterior types?

Exterior types describe the general condition of a skin. The five main exterior categories are Factory New, Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn and Battle-Scarred.

These names are useful because they quickly show the general wear level, but serious buyers should always check the exact float value before making a decision.

Exterior float ranges

Every exterior category has a float range. A skin's exact float value decides which exterior category it belongs to.

Exterior
Float Range
General Condition
Factory New 0.00 – 0.07 Cleanest
Minimal Wear 0.07 – 0.15 Light wear
Field-Tested 0.15 – 0.38 Medium wear
Well-Worn 0.38 – 0.45 Heavy wear
Battle-Scarred 0.45 – 1.00 Most worn

Same exterior does not mean same skin

This is one of the most important lessons for beginners. Two skins can have the same exterior and still look very different.

For example, a 0.16 Field-Tested skin can look close to Minimal Wear, while a 0.37 Field-Tested skin can look close to Well-Worn. Both are Field-Tested, but they are not equal.

Do not judge by exterior alone

Exterior is only the category. Float is the exact condition.

Why visual wear differs between skins

Different skins react to wear differently. Some skins stay clean even at higher float values, while others show scratches, dark areas or faded details much earlier.

This is why visual inspection matters. A lower float is usually better, but the way wear appears depends on the specific skin, finish and pattern.

CSLab Tip

Before buying an expensive skin, compare both the float value and the visual appearance. The cleanest-looking skin is not always the one with the best exterior name.

Which exterior should you buy?

Goal
Best Exterior Range
Best appearance Factory New / low Minimal Wear
Best value Clean Field-Tested / good Minimal Wear
Budget loadout Field-Tested / Well-Worn
Collector item Depends on float, pattern, rarity and supply

Float caps matter

Some skins cannot exist in every exterior category because they have restricted float ranges. This means a skin may never be available in Factory New or Battle-Scarred condition.

Before judging rarity or price, always check whether the skin has float caps.

Final rule

Exterior is useful for quick sorting, but float is what serious buyers check. If you want to avoid overpaying, always compare exact float, visual wear and market price.