illuminati2012....OK try this: Float = The number of shares of a security that are available for trading by the public. Public Float = The portion of a Company's O/S that is in the hands of the public investors, as opposed to company officers, directors. or controlling interest investors. E-Trade glossary of terms. I still have to disagree with your total for O/S.....can you provide a better definition for O/S and what is your source?