Mouse DPI Test
Move your mouse a known distance and see its real DPI. A ruler or any bank card works.
FreeNo sign-upPrivate
How to measure your mouse DPI
- Put a ruler on your desk, or use any bank or ID card: its long side is 8.56 cm on every card made to the ISO standard.
- Choose that distance above, and line the edge of your mouse (or its sensor) up with the start.
- Click the box. Your pointer disappears so the screen edge can't stop it.
- Move the mouse slowly and straight to the right until it has travelled exactly the distance, then click again.
- Repeat two or three times. The average is your mouse's real DPI.
Why your real DPI can differ from the setting
A mouse set to 800 DPI rarely measures exactly 800. Sensors and firmware vary, and many mice run a few percent high or low. Within about 5% is normal. A bigger gap usually means the measured distance was off, the mouse didn't travel in a straight line, or something between the mouse and the game is changing your input.
| Result vs. your setting | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Within ±5% | Normal. Your mouse is accurate. |
| 5–10% off | Common on budget mice. Fine for most use; adjust in-game sensitivity if you match settings between mice. |
| Much higher or lower | Re-measure carefully. If it stays off, check the DPI really is the one you think (many mice cycle DPI with a button), and see the note on Windows settings below. |
Raw input and Windows settings
In Chrome and Edge the test reads your mouse's raw movement, so Windows pointer speed and "Enhance pointer precision" don't affect the result. Other browsers only see the pointer after Windows has adjusted it, so for an accurate reading there:
- Set Windows pointer speed to the middle notch (6 of 11).
- Turn off Enhance pointer precision (Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Mouse → Additional mouse settings → Pointer Options).
- On a Mac, use Chrome for the most accurate result, because macOS always adds acceleration.
The line under the results tells you which method your browser used.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between DPI and CPI?
They're the same thing for a mouse: how many movement counts the sensor reports per inch it travels. Many manufacturers now say CPI, which is the more accurate term.
What DPI should I use for gaming?
Most competitive FPS players use 400 to 1600 DPI and adjust in-game sensitivity from there. What matters more is your eDPI (DPI × in-game sensitivity) and staying consistent. Work yours out with the eDPI calculator.
Does it work on a laptop touchpad or phone?
No. Touchpads and touchscreens don't have a DPI in the same sense, and phones can't lock the pointer. Use a mouse on a computer.
Why does my result change between runs?
Small differences in where you start and stop add up. Moving slowly, keeping the mouse straight and averaging three runs fixes most of it.