Mouse settings
DPI vs eDPI for FPS games.
DPI is a mouse hardware setting. eDPI combines DPI with in-game sensitivity so players can compare settings inside the same game.
What Is DPI?
DPI means dots per inch. In everyday FPS discussions, it describes how far your cursor or camera input moves for a given amount of physical mouse movement before the game sensitivity multiplier is applied.
Common gaming DPI values include 400, 800, and 1600. A higher DPI is not automatically better. Many players choose a DPI that feels stable on the desktop and then tune sensitivity inside the game.
What Is eDPI?
eDPI means effective DPI. The basic formula is:
eDPI = mouse DPI x in-game sensitivity
| DPI | In-game sensitivity | eDPI |
|---|---|---|
| 400 | 2.00 | 800 |
| 800 | 1.00 | 800 |
| 1600 | 0.50 | 800 |
These three rows have the same eDPI inside the same game, so they should produce a similar turn speed if the game handles input consistently.
The Limit Of eDPI
eDPI is useful inside one game, but it is not enough for cross-game conversion. Different games use different sensitivity scales and yaw values. That is why a Valorant eDPI and a CS2 eDPI should not be compared as if they were the same unit.
For comparing between games, cm/360 is usually clearer because it measures physical mouse movement for a full turn.
Why The Same eDPI Can Differ Between Games
This table uses 800 DPI and 1.00 in-game sensitivity in each title. Every row has 800 eDPI, but the approximate cm/360 differs because the games use different yaw values.
| Game | Setting | eDPI | Approx. cm/360 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS2 / CS:GO | 1.00 at 800 DPI | 800 | 51.95 |
| Valorant | 1.00 at 800 DPI | 800 | 16.33 |
| Apex Legends | 1.00 at 800 DPI | 800 | 51.95 |
| Overwatch 2 | 1.00 at 800 DPI | 800 | 173.18 |
Which Metric Should You Use?
| Metric | Use it for | Do not use it alone for |
|---|---|---|
| DPI | Mouse hardware setup and desktop cursor feel | Describing final in-game turn speed |
| eDPI | Comparing settings inside the same game | Comparing different FPS sensitivity scales |
| cm/360 | Comparing physical hip-fire turn distance | Predicting ADS, scoped, FOV, or role-specific feel |
Practical Setup Tips
- Pick a DPI you are comfortable using outside the game.
- Use eDPI to compare settings within the same game.
- Use cm/360 or a game-aware converter when moving between different games.
- Avoid changing DPI and in-game sensitivity at the same time unless you know what result you want.
DPI Change Checklist
If you want to move from 400 DPI to 800 or 1600 DPI without changing your turn speed, use the DPI sensitivity converter and verify the result in your game.
- Write down your current DPI and in-game sensitivity.
- Choose the new DPI before editing the in-game value.
- Reduce sensitivity when DPI goes up; increase sensitivity when DPI goes down.
- Check the resulting eDPI inside the same game.
- Use cm/360 when you also move into a different game.
Common Questions
Is higher DPI more accurate?
Not by itself. A higher DPI can feel smoother on the desktop, but aim control depends on the final in-game result, your mouse sensor, and your ability to control the setting.
Can two players with the same eDPI feel different?
Yes. Mouse shape, grip, FOV, resolution, sensitivity scale, and game behavior can all change how the same eDPI feels.
When should I use cm/360 instead of eDPI?
Use cm/360 when comparing different games. Use eDPI when comparing DPI and sensitivity pairs inside the same game.
How do I keep the same eDPI after changing DPI?
Change in-game sensitivity in the opposite direction. For example, 400 DPI at 2.00 sensitivity, 800 DPI at 1.00, and 1600 DPI at 0.50 all equal 800 eDPI inside the same game.
Last reviewed: June 1, 2026.