CS2 Trade-Up Guide
CS2 Trade-Up ROI Calculator — Real Return After Fees
ROI (Return on Investment) is the bottom line metric for CS2 trade-ups. It tells you how much you get back for every euro invested, after accounting for Steam's 13% marketplace fee. Here's how to calculate and maximize it.
Calculate ROI for Free →All TiersInput Rarity
All TiersOutput Rarity
115–400%Typical ROI Range
VariesTypical Cost
How ROI Is Calculated in Trade-Ups
Trade-up ROI measures the ratio of expected output value to input cost:
ROI = (Expected Value after fees) / Total Input Cost × 100%
- 100% ROI = break-even (you get back exactly what you put in)
- 150% ROI = 50% profit (€10 input returns €15 expected)
- 200% ROI = 100% profit (€10 input returns €20 expected)
Important: This is expected ROI. Individual contracts may return more or less. The ROI is realized over many contracts.
ROI Benchmarks by Rarity Tier
- Industrial → Mil-Spec: 110–160% typical. Low absolute profit but safe for learning.
- Mil-Spec → Restricted: 120–180% typical. Best risk/reward for small bankrolls.
- Restricted → Classified: 130–220% typical. Most popular tier for consistent traders.
- Classified → Covert: 150–500% typical but high variance. For experienced traders only.
Higher ROI generally comes with higher cost AND higher variance. Pick the tier that matches your bankroll and risk tolerance.
Maximizing Your Trade-Up ROI
Strategies to push ROI higher:
- Float targeting: FN outputs can dramatically increase ROI vs. FT. Use Mixed Float strategy.
- Collection mixing: Weighted probability — load more skins from collections with expensive outputs.
- Price timing: Buy inputs when prices dip, sell outputs when demand peaks.
- Fee awareness: Every 1% saved on fees goes straight to ROI.
- Volume: Run many positive-EV contracts instead of one big one.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good ROI for CS2 trade-ups?
130%+ after Steam fees is good. 150%+ is excellent. Below 115% you're losing money. Above 200% is exceptional — verify prices are current.
How is trade-up ROI different from profit?
ROI is a percentage (output value / input cost × 100). Profit is the absolute amount (output value - input cost). A 150% ROI on a €100 contract = €50 profit.
Why does my actual profit differ from calculated ROI?
ROI is based on expected (average) outcomes. Individual contracts have variance. Run enough contracts and your actual return will converge to the calculated ROI.