Hardware Testers
Mouse DPI Checker
Windows won't tell you your mouse's real DPI — but you can measure it. Set the distance you'll move the mouse, then drag it that far across your pad. This free mouse DPI checker counts the movement and works out your true DPI (CPI). No download, 100% in your browser.
What is mouse DPI (and why you can't just read it)
DPI (dots per inch), more correctly CPI, is how many movement counts your mouse sensor sends for every inch it travels. A higher DPI moves the cursor further for the same hand motion. The catch: there is no operating-system setting that displays your real DPI — software only shows the value you set, which sensors don't always hit exactly. The only honest way to know is to measure it, which is what this mouse DPI checker does.
How to check your mouse DPI by measuring
The method is simple and is how every accurate DPI analyzer works:
- Pick a distance. Mark a known distance on your pad — 10 cm works well.
- Turn off acceleration. Windows: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Mouse → Additional settings → Pointer Options → untick “Enhance pointer precision”.
- Hold and move. Press and hold on the pad above, glide the mouse straight across exactly your marked distance, then release.
real DPI = counted movement ÷ distance (in inches)
Repeat two or three times and average — you'll land within a few percent of your sensor's true DPI.
DPI vs. eDPI vs. in-game sensitivity
These three get mixed up constantly:
- DPI — hardware sensitivity of the mouse itself (what you measure here).
- In-game sensitivity — a multiplier inside each game.
- eDPI = DPI × in-game sensitivity — the single number players compare, because it cancels out different DPI settings.
Know your real DPI, then plug it into the eDPI calculator to find your effective sensitivity and cm/360.
Getting an accurate reading
- Acceleration off is non-negotiable — it warps every count.
- Move slowly and straight; diagonal or jerky motion adds error.
- Use a real ruler for the distance; guessing defeats the point.
- Average several runs. Sensors vary slightly run to run.
Browse more hardware testers, or compare settings with our eDPI calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my mouse DPI?
There's no setting that reveals it directly. The reliable way is to measure: pick a distance (say 10 cm), move the mouse exactly that far in a straight line while this tool counts the movement, then DPI = counts ÷ distance in inches. Turn off pointer acceleration first.
Why isn't my measured DPI exactly my set DPI?
Mouse sensors aren't perfectly accurate, and any pointer acceleration (Windows 'Enhance pointer precision') distorts the count. Disable acceleration, move slowly and straight, and average a few runs for a number within a few percent of your set DPI.
What's the difference between DPI and eDPI?
DPI is the mouse's hardware sensitivity. eDPI = DPI × in-game sensitivity, the value gamers compare. Once you know your real DPI here, use our eDPI calculator to get your effective sensitivity.
Is higher DPI better?
Not necessarily. Most gamers use 400–1600 DPI and adjust in-game sensitivity to taste. Very high DPI can introduce jitter on some sensors; what matters is a consistent eDPI you can repeat.
Why would I need to know my real DPI?
To set a precise eDPI for gaming, to match a setup across two mice, or to check a budget mouse actually hits its advertised DPI. Many mice are a few percent off their stated number.
DPI or CPI — are they the same?
Effectively yes. CPI (counts per inch) is the technically correct term for how many movement counts the sensor reports per inch; DPI is the popular marketing word for the same thing.