What is a float value?
Float value is a decimal number assigned to every Counter-Strike skin. It usually ranges from 0.00 to 1.00 and determines how worn the skin appears.
Lower float values generally mean cleaner skins, while higher float values usually create more visible wear, scratches, darker areas or faded details.
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Float value determines the actual wear level. Exterior names like Factory New or Field-Tested are only categories based on float ranges.
Float ranges
Float values are grouped into exterior categories. These categories help buyers quickly understand the general condition of a skin, but they do not tell the full story.
Float vs exterior
Exterior is the visible category shown on a skin. Float is the exact number behind it. This means two skins with the same exterior can still look noticeably different.
For example, a Field-Tested skin with a 0.16 float may look much cleaner than another Field-Tested skin with a 0.37 float. Both are Field-Tested, but they are not equal.
When comparing skins, do not stop at the exterior name. Always check the exact float value.
Float caps
Not every skin can exist at every float value. Some skins have special minimum or maximum float limits, usually called float caps.
This is why some skins may never appear in Factory New or Battle-Scarred condition. Float caps are important for collectors because they can affect rarity, availability and price.
Before judging rarity, always check whether the skin has a restricted float range. A high or low float may be impossible for that specific skin.
Why float matters
Float matters because it affects appearance, collector demand and sometimes market price. On some skins, the difference between a low and high float is small. On others, even a tiny float difference can change how clean the skin looks.
Buyers often pay more for unusually low float values, especially on expensive skins, popular finishes or collector-grade items. However, low float alone does not automatically make a skin valuable.
Float should be evaluated together with skin popularity, pattern, stickers, supply, demand and current market listings.
How to check float
Most marketplaces and inspection tools show the exact float value before purchase. When buying expensive skins, it is worth checking the float carefully and comparing similar listings.
If possible, inspect the skin in-game. Some wear patterns are more noticeable in actual lighting than in small marketplace preview images.
Buying tips
Before buying a skin, compare the exact float, inspect the skin visually and check whether similar listings are priced fairly. A clean Field-Tested skin can sometimes look better than a worse Minimal Wear skin.
Float checking is one of the most useful habits for beginners because it helps prevent overpaying for a skin that only looks good based on its exterior name.
Exterior tells you the category. Float tells you the real condition.