Trade Up Guide
Everything you need to know about CS2 trade-up contracts, float calculations, and strategies for profitable trades.
Covert Trade-Ups
5
skins required
Outputs: Knives & Gloves
Classified Trade-Ups
10
skins required
Outputs: Covert skins
Restricted Trade-Ups
10
skins required
Outputs: Classified skins
Mil-Spec Trade-Ups
10
skins required
Outputs: Restricted skins
1 How Trade-Ups Work
Trade-up contracts let you exchange lower rarity skins for a higher rarity skin from the same collection(s).
Rarity Progression:
! Covert (Red) Trade-Up Rules
Since the October 2025 update, Covert trade-ups have special rules:
- ✓ Only 5 Covert skins required (not 10)
- ✓ Outputs are Knives or Gloves
- ✓ 5 StatTrak Coverts = StatTrak Knife
- ✓ 5 Regular Coverts = Regular Knife or Gloves
- ✗ Cannot mix StatTrak and non-StatTrak
Calculator support for Covert → Knife/Gloves coming soon!
2 Float Value Calculation
The new CS2 algorithm (post-Retakes update) normalizes floats:
Step 1: Normalize each input
Adjusted = (Float - Min) / (Max - Min)
Step 2: Average adjusted floats
AvgAdj = Sum(Adjusted) / Count
Step 3: Apply to output range
Output = OutMin + AvgAdj * (OutMax - OutMin)
Important: Skins with restricted float ranges (e.g., 0-0.5) are now weighted differently than full-range skins.
3 Collection & Probability
Your output comes from the same collections as your inputs:
Same Collection Strategy
5 skins from The Kilowatt Collection = 100% chance of Kukri Knife
Mixed Collection Strategy
3 Kilowatt + 2 Revolution = 60% Kukri Knife, 40% Revolution Knife
Pro tip: Use single-collection inputs to guarantee a specific knife/glove type.
Wear Tier Float Ranges
Pro Tips for Profitable Trade-Ups
Target Low-Float Outputs
Factory New and low-float Minimal Wear skins command significant premiums. Use low-float inputs to maximize output value.
Understand Float Caps
Some skins can't be Factory New (e.g., max float 0.5). Check the output skin's float range before committing.
Single-Collection Strategy
Using all 10 skins from one collection guarantees your output comes from that collection. Great for targeting specific high-value skins.
Consider the New Algorithm
The post-Retakes update changed how float-capped skins work. Skins with restricted ranges may produce worse outputs than before.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many skins do I need for a CS2 trade-up contract?
You need 10 skins of the same rarity for most trade-ups. The exception is Covert (red) trade-ups, which require only 5 Covert skins and output Knives or Gloves.
How is the output float value calculated in CS2?
CS2 uses a normalized float algorithm: each input float is adjusted to a 0-1 range based on the skin's min/max float, then averaged. The average is mapped onto the output skin's float range. This means skins with restricted float ranges are weighted differently than full-range skins.
Can I get a Factory New skin from a trade-up?
Yes, if the output skin supports Factory New (float range starts at or below 0.07) and your average adjusted float is low enough. Use low-float inputs to maximize your chances.
What determines which skin I get from a trade-up?
The output is randomly selected from the next rarity tier across all collections represented in your inputs. Using all 10 inputs from one collection guarantees your output comes from that collection.
Can I mix StatTrak and non-StatTrak skins?
No. All input skins must be either all StatTrak or all non-StatTrak. StatTrak inputs produce StatTrak outputs, and regular inputs produce regular outputs.