A CS2 Fade is a finish that paints the weapon with a gradient, usually from yellow through pink to purple. The finish is applied from a fixed direction, and the pattern index shifts where the gradient starts. That shift decides how much of the purple end shows on the visible parts of the weapon.
Because the shift is visible and easy to measure, the community built fade percentage as a shorthand. A higher percentage means more of the rich purple and pink shows and less of the plain yellow. A full fade, often quoted as 100%, is the most sought-after version.
What is a good fade percentage?
Most Fades sit in the 80% to 90% band, which is the normal look with a little yellow at the tip or handle. Above 90% the purple takes over and prices rise. The exact percentage comes from a table that maps pattern indexes to values for each weapon, and a float checker tool can read it for you from an inspect link.
Each weapon model has its own scale. A 95% Fade on a knife and a 95% Fade on a pistol are measured on different geometry, so compare percentages only between the same item.
Do Fade skins have a float cap?
Many Fade finishes have a narrow float range and drop in Factory New or Minimal Wear only, so the float value counts for less than the fade percentage when pricing. Some models can drop in lower wear tiers, and on those a low float still adds value.
Fade is also one of the finishes where a listing photo can be taken from a flattering angle. Ask for the pattern index or check the inspect link before paying a full fade premium, since the difference between 90% and 100% can be large in cash but hard to spot in a single screenshot.