Calibration

Mouse DPI Test

Move your mouse the specified distance to measure your DPI. Set your target distance and start the test.

Target Distance:
Quick select:
Drag the caret from the start to measure your DPI.
0 cm 50 cm
Pixels 0
Target 5cm
DPI 0
Calibration
Adjust until the bar equals 5cm on your physical ruler.
px/in:
DPI Results
Latest DPI
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Average DPI
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No results yet. Start a test to see your DPI measurements.
Settings
Sound Effects
Getting the Best Results
  • Match the on-screen bar to a physical ruler before testing for precise pixel density
  • Turn off Windows "Enhance Pointer Precision" or macOS mouse acceleration beforehand
  • Larger physical movements (10cm+) reduce rounding error and improve precision
  • Keep your hand level and move the mouse in one smooth horizontal motion
  • Run at least 3–5 tests per DPI setting and rely on the Average reading
  • Verify your browser zoom is set to exactly 100% (Ctrl+0 to reset)
  • Use a consistent mousepad surface — glass or glossy desks can cause tracking issues
eDPI Calculator
eDPI
1200

What is Mouse DPI Testing?

DPI (Dots Per Inch) — also known as CPI (Counts Per Inch) — measures how many pixels your cursor moves on screen for every inch you move the mouse physically. Our Mouse DPI Test measures your effective mouse sensitivity, giving you practical information about your actual setup.

For example, at 800 DPI, moving your mouse exactly one inch should move the cursor 800 pixels. However, manufacturers often round these numbers, so your "800 DPI" setting might actually be 780 or 820.

Hardware DPI vs Effective DPI

Your mouse might be set to 1000 DPI, but you're getting different results because Hardware DPI is your mouse sensor setting, while Effective DPI is how it actually behaves on your screen after OS sensitivity, display scaling, and other factors are applied.

eDPI (Effective DPI) = Mouse DPI × In-Game Sensitivity. It's the universal metric used to compare settings between players and across different games.

Why Calibration is Essential

Accurate DPI measurement requires knowing your display's true pixel density. The calibration system accounts for variations between monitors. Use a physical ruler or a credit card (3.375" standard) to match the calibration bar, then your DPI measurements will be precise and meaningful.

How to Use This Tool

  1. Calibrate your display using a physical ruler and the calibration slider.
  2. Choose your Target Distance (4-6 inches recommended for accuracy).
  3. Click and drag the green caret on the ruler track.
  4. Move your physical mouse exactly the selected distance along a real ruler.
  5. Release to see your calculated DPI.
  6. Repeat multiple times and use the Average DPI for best precision.

Pro Tips for Accurate Testing

  • Disable Acceleration: Turn off "Enhance pointer precision" in Windows or mouse acceleration on Mac before testing.
  • Avoid Interpolation: Stick to your sensor's native DPI steps (usually 400, 800, 1600, 3200) for the most accurate tracking.
  • Use a Proper Surface: Testing on glass, mirrors, or very dark surfaces can cause tracking errors with optical mice.
  • Keep it Horizontal: Move your mouse perfectly horizontally in a straight line for consistent readings.
  • Multiple Measurements: Perform 3-5 tests and average the results for reliability.

Gaming Applications

For gamers, effective DPI is crucial for consistency and performance. Knowing your exact DPI helps you maintain muscle memory across games, compare setups between computers, and document your exact sensitivity settings. It is the professional esports standard for measurement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is higher DPI better?

Not necessarily. Most pro gamers use 400-1600 DPI. Higher DPI means more sensitivity, but lower DPI gives finer control. For design work, 1600-3200 DPI is common. For general use, 1000-1600 DPI works well.

How accurate is this test?

Accuracy depends on your calibration and measurement precision. Calibrate your screen first with a physical ruler, then perform multiple tests and average the results. Using longer distances (5+ inches) also improves accuracy.

What is eDPI?

eDPI (Effective DPI) is your Mouse DPI multiplied by your In-Game Sensitivity. It's the universal sensitivity metric used to compare settings between players across different games and hardware.

Why are my results inconsistent?

Common causes include: mouse acceleration being enabled, inconsistent physical movement, testing on inappropriate surfaces, or not calibrating your display. Disable acceleration and recalibrate for best results.

DPI vs CPI — what's the difference?

DPI (Dots Per Inch) is the traditional marketing term, while CPI (Counts Per Inch) is the technical term for raw sensor readings. In practice, they are functionally identical.