DPI to CPI Converter
Convert between mouse sensitivity measurements with ease
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DPI and CPI are functionally identical
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Manufacturer Terminology
Select a manufacturer to see which term they use.
DPI vs CPI Comparison
| Aspect | DPI (Dots Per Inch) | CPI (Counts Per Inch) |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Accuracy | Less accurate term (borrowed from printing) | More accurate term (describes what sensors actually do) |
| Industry Adoption | Widely used in marketing and software | Used by some manufacturers for technical accuracy |
| Functional Difference | None - they represent the same measurement | |
| Common Values | 400, 800, 1600, 3200 (gaming) 800-1200 (general use) |
|
DPI vs. CPI: What's the Difference?
DPI (Dots Per Inch) and CPI (Counts Per Inch) are terms used to describe the same fundamental measurement: how many pixels your cursor moves when you move your mouse one inch. Despite being technically different terms, they're used interchangeably in the gaming and computer peripheral industry.
DPI (Dots Per Inch)
Technical meaning: Originally a printing term that refers to how many dots of ink a printer places in one inch.
In mouse context: Adopted by mouse manufacturers to describe sensitivity, though technically less accurate than CPI.
Common usage: More widely recognized by general consumers and used in marketing materials.
CPI (Counts Per Inch)
Technical meaning: The actual number of times a mouse sensor reports position when moved one inch.
In mouse context: The technically correct term for mouse sensitivity measurement.
Common usage: Used by some manufacturers (like SteelSeries) who prefer technical accuracy in their specifications.
Important: For all practical purposes, DPI and CPI values are identical. A mouse set to 800 DPI and a mouse set to 800 CPI will behave exactly the same way. The difference is purely terminological, not functional.
Why Manufacturers Use Different Terms
Different mouse manufacturers have chosen to use either DPI or CPI in their software and documentation:
Companies Using "DPI"
- Logitech: Uses DPI in G Hub and documentation
- Razer: Uses DPI in Synapse software
- Corsair: Uses DPI in iCUE software
- HyperX: Uses DPI in NGENUITY software
Companies Using "CPI"
- SteelSeries: Uses CPI in Engine/GG software
- Zowie: Sometimes uses CPI in technical documentation
- Glorious: Uses CPI in some documentation
Companies Using Both
- Roccat: Has used both terms in different products
- Endgame Gear: Sometimes uses both for clarity
The Technical Reality
From a technical standpoint, CPI is the more accurate term for mouse sensitivity:
- Mouse sensors don't create "dots": They count movement increments, making "counts" more accurate than "dots"
- Digital displays use pixels, not dots: The cursor moves in pixels, not dots
- Historical adoption: DPI became popular first due to its familiarity from printing terminology
However, the term DPI has become so widely adopted that it's unlikely to be replaced entirely by CPI, despite the latter's technical accuracy.
Common DPI/CPI Values and Their Uses
Different sensitivity ranges are suited to different uses and playstyles:
Low (400-800)
Best for: Precision tasks, tactical FPS games
Advantages: Fine control, easier to make small adjustments
Disadvantages: Requires more physical movement, larger mousepad
Popular with: CS:GO/Valorant pros, snipers, graphic designers
Medium (800-1600)
Best for: All-around use, balanced gaming
Advantages: Good balance of speed and precision
Disadvantages: Jack of all trades, master of none
Popular with: Most gamers, general PC users
High (1600-3200)
Best for: Fast-paced games, limited desk space
Advantages: Quick cursor movement, less physical effort
Disadvantages: Can be harder to make precise movements
Popular with: MOBA players, some FPS players with small mousepads
Ultra-High (3200+)
Best for: Multi-monitor setups, very high resolution displays
Advantages: Minimal physical movement required
Disadvantages: Precision can be difficult, may feel "twitchy"
Popular with: Productivity users with 4K+ monitors, some wrist-only aimers
Native DPI/CPI Steps
Mouse sensors often have "native" DPI/CPI steps where they perform optimally:
- What are native steps? These are the sensitivity values that the sensor was designed to operate at without interpolation
- Why do they matter? Using a native step can potentially provide more consistent tracking
- Common native steps: Many older sensors had native steps at 400, 800, 1600, and 3200 DPI
- Modern sensors: Most high-end modern sensors (PMW3360, HERO, Focus+) perform consistently across their entire DPI/CPI range
Note: With modern gaming mice, the importance of native DPI steps has diminished significantly. Most quality sensors today perform excellently at any setting within their specified range.
DPI/CPI and Other Mouse Settings
DPI/CPI works in conjunction with other mouse settings to determine your overall sensitivity:
Windows Sensitivity
The Windows pointer speed setting (1-11) applies a multiplier to your DPI/CPI. For most accurate tracking, keep this at the default setting (6/11) and adjust DPI/CPI instead.
Polling Rate
Measured in Hz, this determines how often your mouse reports its position to your computer. While not directly related to DPI/CPI, a higher polling rate (500-1000Hz) provides smoother tracking.
Acceleration
Mouse acceleration changes cursor speed based on how quickly you move the mouse. Most gamers disable this for consistency, as it makes the same physical distance moved result in different cursor distances.
In-game Sensitivity
This multiplies your DPI/CPI within a specific game. Your effective sensitivity is DPI/CPI × in-game sensitivity, often referred to as eDPI.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any functional difference between DPI and CPI?
No, there is no functional difference between DPI and CPI when it comes to mouse sensitivity. They are different terms describing the same measurement: how many pixels your cursor moves when you move your mouse one inch. The difference is purely terminological, with CPI being technically more accurate but DPI being more widely recognized.
Why do some mice advertise extremely high DPI/CPI values?
Very high DPI/CPI values (16,000+) are primarily a marketing feature. Most users never need settings above 3200, and professional gamers typically use much lower values (400-1600). While these high values demonstrate sensor capability, they're rarely practical for actual use as they make the cursor move too quickly for precise control.
Should I use the highest DPI/CPI possible and lower my in-game sensitivity?
This approach (high DPI/CPI with low in-game sensitivity) theoretically provides more granular cursor movement, but the difference is negligible with modern sensors. Most experts recommend using a DPI/CPI that feels comfortable for desktop use (typically 800-1600) and then adjusting in-game sensitivity accordingly. This provides a consistent experience across your entire system.
Can changing DPI/CPI improve my aim in games?
Finding the right DPI/CPI for your playstyle can potentially improve your aim, but there's no universally "best" setting. Lower values (400-800) offer more precision but require more physical movement, while higher values require less movement but can be harder to control precisely. The best approach is to experiment with different settings and find what feels most comfortable and natural for your specific setup and playstyle.