What float should I aim for to get a Factory New output?

The float of the output skin equals the average float of the 10 inputs. To guarantee Factory New, the sum of all input floats must be less than 0.7 (average <0.07). Use CSFloat or the native steam inspect to check individual floats before purchase.

Can I guarantee a specific skin from a contract?

Yes, but only if the collection pool contains exactly one skin at the target rarity. Otherwise, you can only guarantee the collection by using 10 skins from that collection. Even then, you might get any skin from that collection of that rarity.

Where can I find cheap input skins for contracts?

CSBoard aggregates live listings from multiple sources, with prices anchored to Buff163. You can filter by rarity and collection directly at /en/items. For low‑cost Consumer or Industrial skins, sort by price to find the best deals.

Are CS2 trade‑up contracts profitable?

Profitability depends on thorough research. You need to calculate expected value, accounting for all possible outcomes and their market prices. Successful traders often monitor CSBoard for undervalued input skins and use spreadsheets to track margins. Profit is possible but not guaranteed.

What happens if I mix skins from different collections?

When you mix collections, the output is drawn from any collection represented by the inputs, in proportion to how many skins came from that collection. For example, if 6 inputs are from Collection A and 4 from Collection B, you have a 60% chance of getting an output from Collection A and 40% from Collection B.

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2026 Edition · Contract Guide

CS2 Trade Up Contracts: 2026 Guide to Profitable Recipes & Float Values

Q: How do trade‑up contracts work in CS2?

You select 10 skins of the same rarity grade from your inventory. The game then generates 1 skin of the next higher rarity. The outcome is random but weighted by the collection(s) of the input skins. If more than 5 skins come from one collection, the output is guaranteed to be from that collection.

Q: Can I guarantee a specific skin from a contract?

Yes, but only if the collection pool contains exactly one skin at the target rarity. Otherwise, you can only guarantee the collection by using 10 skins from that collection. Even then, you might get any skin from that collection of that rarity.

Q: Where can I find cheap input skins for contracts?

CSBoard aggregates live listings from multiple sources, with prices anchored to Buff163. You can filter by rarity and collection directly at /en/items. For low‑cost Consumer or Industrial skins, sort by price to find the best deals.

Q: Are CS2 trade‑up contracts profitable?

Profitability depends on thorough research. You need to calculate expected value, accounting for all possible outcomes and their market prices. Successful traders often monitor CSBoard for undervalued input skins and use spreadsheets to track margins. Profit is possible but not guaranteed.

Q: What happens if I mix skins from different collections?

When you mix collections, the output is drawn from any collection represented by the inputs, in proportion to how many skins came from that collection. For example, if 6 inputs are from Collection A and 4 from Collection B, you have a 60% chance of getting an output from Collection A and 40% from Collection B.

TL;DR

▸CS2 trade-up contracts let you exchange 10 skins of one rarity for 1 skin of the next rarity, with outcomes based on float and collection.
▸Profitable contracts exist for every rarity tier, with margin potential from 5% to 50%+ depending on input costs.
▸On CSBoard, you can source input skins instantly with live pricing anchored to Buff163, minimizing guesswork.
▸Float manipulation is key: combine 10 skins with average float <0.07 for a shot at Factory New output.

Note

The CS2 contract system functions identically to CS:GO, but collection-specific outcomes shifted with the 2024 Arms Race update. Always verify current collection pools before committing to a recipe.

Top 5 Most Profitable CS2 Trade-Up Contracts in 2026

Contract Rarity Tiers & Break‑Even Points

Rarity Transition	Typical Input Cost	Output Value Range	Float Risk
Consumer → Industrial	$0.30–$1.00	$2–$10	Low (many FN outputs)
Industrial → Mil‑Spec	$1–$3	$5–$25	Moderate (float drives price)
Mil‑Spec → Restricted	$3–$10	$15–$60	High (FN vs FT matters)
Restricted → Classified	$10–$30	$50–$200	Very high (market dependent)
Classified → Covert	$30–$100	$150–$800	Extreme (rarely profitable)

Common Contract Fodder Available on CSBoard

Frequently Asked Questions

You select 10 skins of the same rarity grade from your inventory. The game then generates 1 skin of the next higher rarity. The outcome is random but weighted by the collection(s) of the input skins. If more than 5 skins come from one collection, the output is guaranteed to be from that collection.

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CSBoard charges 0% for deposits and direct item-for-item exchanges without money. P2P marketplace sales carry a 2% selling fee. Instant sell is a separate buyout offer; check its quote and the chosen payout method’s fees and timing before confirming.

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