How to measure your mouse DPI
- Lay a ruler or tape measure on your desk or mouse pad.
- Type the distance you will move. 4 inches (or 10 cm) is a good start. A longer distance gives a more exact result.
- Line up the front edge of the mouse with the 0 mark. Click inside the box to start.
- Move the mouse straight to the right until the same edge reaches your distance, then click again.
- Repeat 3 to 5 times. The average smooths out small errors.
DPI (dots per inch, also called CPI, counts per inch) is the number of steps the sensor reports for each inch of movement. If you move 4 inches and the sensor reports 3,200 counts, your mouse runs at 800 DPI.
Raw input versus system adjusted
In Chrome and Edge the analyzer asks for raw, unaccelerated mouse movement. That gives the true sensor DPI. Other browsers return movement after your system pointer settings, so the result changes with pointer speed and acceleration. For an accurate reading there, on Windows set the pointer speed to the middle (6th) notch and turn off Enhance pointer precision. On a Mac, acceleration cannot be fully turned off, so use Chrome.
Why your DPI may not match the box
- Small differences (about 5%) are normal between sensors.
- Some mice change DPI with a button under the wheel. Check which step you are on.
- The mouse software may apply its own scaling or angle snapping.
- Moving at an angle instead of straight adds error.
For game sensitivity, many players use eDPI: your DPI multiplied by the in-game sensitivity. It lets you compare settings across mice.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions people ask most about this test.
How do I check my mouse DPI?
Use a ruler, move the mouse a known distance in the DPI analyzer, and divide the reported counts by the distance in inches. The page does the maths for you.
Is DPI the same as CPI?
For mice, yes. CPI (counts per inch) is the more accurate term, but DPI is used more often.
What DPI is best for gaming?
Most competitive players use 400 to 1600 DPI and adjust sensitivity in the game. Higher DPI is not better by itself.