How to measure your DPI
- Get a ruler (or a tape measure) and lay it along your mouse pad.
- Set the distance above (10 cm is a good default; longer is more accurate).
- Line up the front edge of your mouse with the start mark.
- Click the test area. The page captures the mouse.
- Slide the mouse straight to the end mark, keeping it level.
- Click again (or press Space) to stop. The test shows your DPI.
- Repeat three times and use the average.
Press Esc at any time to cancel a run.
Why your DPI might not match the label
- Sensor variance: many mice run a few percent above or below their nominal DPI.
- Surface: some sensors track slightly differently on glass, hard pads or very thick cloth.
- Lift-off and angle: tilting the mouse or moving diagonally changes the count. Keep it flat and straight.
- Software: your mouse’s software may apply its own scaling or angle snapping. Turn those off for the test.
What your result is useful for
Knowing your real DPI makes the eDPI calculator and sensitivity converter accurate. It also explains why two mice set to the same DPI can feel different.
Common DPI settings
| DPI | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 400 | Low-sensitivity tactical shooter players |
| 800 | The most popular setting for competitive games |
| 1600 | Common for gaming and high-resolution desktops |
| 3200+ | 4K desktops, or very low in-game sensitivity |
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the DPI test?
With a ruler and three careful runs, usually within a few percent. Small differences from the advertised DPI are normal, since many sensors run slightly above or below their label.
Why do I need Chrome or Edge?
They can provide raw mouse input, which ignores your operating system's pointer speed and acceleration. Other browsers report adjusted movement, so you'd need to set pointer speed to default and acceleration off.
What's the difference between DPI and CPI?
Nothing in practice. CPI (counts per inch) is the technically correct term for mice, but most brands say DPI.
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