How to Use This Tool
- Enter your mouse DPI setting
- Enter your in-game sensitivity
- Click "Calculate eDPI" to get your result
- Optionally, use the reverse calculator to find the right sensitivity for a target eDPI
Note: eDPI = Mouse DPI × In-game Sensitivity
eDPI Comparison Chart
See how your eDPI compares to common ranges:
What is eDPI and Why Does It Matter?
Effective DPI (eDPI) is a standardized way to measure mouse sensitivity across different games and settings. It's calculated by multiplying your mouse DPI by your in-game sensitivity:
eDPI = Mouse DPI × In-game Sensitivity
Understanding your eDPI is crucial for several reasons:
- Consistency across games: Different games handle sensitivity differently, but eDPI gives you a universal reference point
- Easier sensitivity conversion: When switching games, you can aim for a similar eDPI to maintain muscle memory
- Comparing with other players: Pro player settings are often shared as eDPI, making comparisons simpler
- Finding your sweet spot: eDPI helps you understand if you're using a relatively high or low sensitivity compared to average
Understanding eDPI Ranges
While personal preference plays a significant role, most players fall within certain eDPI ranges depending on their playstyle and the games they play:
Low eDPI (100-400)
Characteristics: Requires large arm movements, excellent for precision aiming
Best for: Tactical shooters, sniping, players with large mousepads
Pros: High precision, reduced micro-adjustments
Cons: Difficult for quick 180° turns, requires more desk space
Medium eDPI (800-1200)
Characteristics: Balanced approach using wrist and arm movements
Best for: All-around gaming, versatile across different game types
Pros: Good balance of speed and precision
Cons: May require practice to master both micro and macro movements
High eDPI (1600+)
Characteristics: Small wrist movements, quick reactions
Best for: Fast-paced games, close-quarters combat, limited desk space
Pros: Fast turning, less physical movement required
Cons: Can reduce precision, harder to make small adjustments
Game-Specific eDPI Considerations
Different games often have different optimal eDPI ranges due to their mechanics and pace:
| Game | Common Pro eDPI Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CS:GO / CS2 | 600-1200 | Precision-focused tactical shooter, lower sensitivities are common |
| Valorant | 200-400 | Uses a different sensitivity scale, typically lower eDPI values |
| Fortnite | 40-80 (with 0.10 sensitivity scale) | Building mechanics often favor higher sensitivities |
| Apex Legends | 800-1600 | Fast movement favors slightly higher sensitivities |
| Overwatch 2 | 3000-6000 | Uses a much higher sensitivity scale than other games |
| Rainbow Six Siege | 4000-8000 | Uses a higher sensitivity scale, ADS sensitivity is separate |
Important: These ranges are guidelines, not rules. Your ideal eDPI depends on your playstyle, physical setup, and personal preference. Experiment to find what works best for you.
How to Find Your Ideal eDPI
Finding the perfect eDPI is a personal journey, but here's a methodical approach to discover what works best for you:
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Start with a baseline
Begin with the median eDPI for your primary game (see the table above) or use 800 as a general starting point.
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Test with aim trainers
Use aim training software to test your accuracy and speed with different eDPI values. Look for a balance where you can track targets smoothly without overshooting.
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Make incremental changes
Adjust in small increments (±10-15%) and play several sessions before deciding if it feels better or worse.
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Consider your physical setup
Your mousepad size, desk space, and whether you aim with your arm or wrist should influence your eDPI choice.
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Factor in your playstyle
Entry fraggers and aggressive players might prefer higher eDPI, while snipers and support players might benefit from lower eDPI.
DPI vs. In-game Sensitivity: Which to Adjust?
When tuning your eDPI, you can adjust either your mouse DPI or in-game sensitivity. Here's how to decide which to change:
Adjusting Mouse DPI
Pros:
- Changes sensitivity system-wide
- May provide more consistent sensor performance at certain values
- Some mice perform better at their native DPI steps
Cons:
- Affects desktop cursor speed too
- Limited to specific increments on many mice
- Requires changing hardware settings
Adjusting In-game Sensitivity
Pros:
- More granular control with decimal values
- Doesn't affect desktop experience
- Can be changed quickly without additional software
Cons:
- Very low in-game sensitivity values may cause pixel skipping
- Different games handle sensitivity differently
- May need to be adjusted for each game
Our recommendation: Set your mouse to a moderate DPI (400, 800, or 1600) that feels comfortable for desktop use, then fine-tune with in-game sensitivity to reach your target eDPI.
Need More Mouse Tools?
Check out our other free tools to optimize your gaming setup:
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between DPI and eDPI?
DPI (Dots Per Inch) is a hardware setting on your mouse that determines how many pixels your cursor moves per inch of physical mouse movement. eDPI (Effective DPI) combines your mouse DPI with your in-game sensitivity setting to give a complete picture of your actual sensitivity in a game. eDPI = DPI × In-game Sensitivity.
Do pro gamers use high or low eDPI?
It varies by game and individual preference, but many professional FPS players tend to use lower eDPI settings (400-1200) for better precision. However, there are successful pros at both extremes. For example, in CS:GO, the average pro eDPI is around 880, while in Overwatch, it's typically higher due to the game's different sensitivity scale and faster pace.
How do I convert my eDPI between games?
Different games use different sensitivity scales, so a direct eDPI comparison isn't always accurate. Instead, use our Sensitivity Converter tool, which accounts for these differences and helps you maintain the same 360° turn distance across different games.
Is there an ideal eDPI that works for everyone?
No, the ideal eDPI varies based on many factors including your mousepad size, desk space, arm vs. wrist aiming style, game genre, and personal preference. What works perfectly for one player might feel uncomfortable for another. It's best to experiment within common ranges and find what feels most natural for your specific situation.