eDPI Calculator: Understanding DPI and Sensitivity | Mimshacks

This eDPI Calculator determines your effective mouse sensitivity, allowing you to compare it with your friends, regardless of the hardware or software used.
When playing games like Valorant, Fortnite, CS:GO, Overwatch, or other shooters or battle royales, your mouse sensitivity is crucial. We’ll guide you on how to compute your eDPI based on your DPI and sensitivity settings.
Understanding DPI and Sensitivity: What Do They Mean?
Let’s begin with the basics of mouse settings. What does DPI mean? And what about sensitivity?
DPI, or dots per inch (sometimes referred to as counts per inch or CPI), measures how many dots, counts, or pixels your cursor moves across your screen if you slide your mouse one inch (2.54 cm) on your desk.
You can adjust the DPI using a button on the mouse or through its software. This adjustment affects the mouse’s DPI across Windows, browsers, and more.
Gaming mice typically have a DPI ranging from 400 to 1600. However, very high DPI settings can push the mouse sensor to its limits, leading to issues such as smoothing, where the mouse attempts to predict your actions and disregards the raw input.
Most professional gamers prefer a DPI between 400 and 800, adjusting the in-game sensitivity to circumvent these problems and optimize performance.
Sensitivity is a setting within the game that lets players effectively increase their mouse DPI only in that game. This is a more dependable method to boost mouse sensitivity without resorting to extremely high DPI levels.
Each game might have varying sensitivity settings, and the same setting could have different implications in different games.
Thus, a standardized mouse sensitivity is useful for comparing with friends or quickly adapting a new game to your preferred settings.

What Does eDPI Mean and How Can You Calculate It?
Gamers often like to compare their equipment, setups, and settings. However, as mentioned earlier, there are issues with comparing DPI and sensitivity directly, so we use a different measure called eDPI.
eDPI, which stands for effective dots per inch, reflects the true mouse sensitivity by combining DPI with the game’s sensitivity setting. But how do you calculate eDPI? The formula is simple:
eDPI = DPI × sensitivity
This value allows players to easily compare their actual mouse sensitivity.
For instance, using an eDPI calculator, we find that:
- Player 1 with a DPI of 800 and a sensitivity of 0.5; and
- Player 2 with a DPI of 1600 and a sensitivity of 0.25
both have the same eDPI, meaning they experience the same effective mouse sensitivity.
This outcome is consistent, regardless of hardware or software differences, such as the size or resolution of your screen.
What Does eDPI Mean and How Can You Calculate It?
The ideal eDPI varies based on personal preference, yet there are general trends for each game regarding the most effective settings. Let’s consider what the professionals use:
- Fortnite eDPI calculator: Precision in aiming and building is crucial in Fortnite, so pro players often suggest a lower eDPI. In 2019, the typical eDPI range for over 300 pro players and streamers was between 32 and 82. When using this calculator for Fortnite, aim for an eDPI within this range. Remember, Fortnite measures sensitivity in percentages, so adjust the calculator settings accordingly.
- CS:GO eDPI calculator: In CS:GO, where precise aim is essential to manage weapon spray, pros usually opt for a lower eDPI than casual players. However, compared to other games, CS:GO still demands a relatively high real mouse sensitivity. The average eDPI among CS:GO pros is just under 900, with some top players reaching over 1500. Use this range as a guideline when using the calculator for CS:GO.
- Valorant eDPI calculator: Precision is crucial in Valorant, a game with a low time-to-kill where missing shots can lead to quick defeats. Hence, a lower eDPI is recommended to ensure accuracy. The average eDPI for Valorant pros is around 280. Keep this value in mind if you’re using this calculator for Valorant.
How to Operate the eDPI Calculator?
Suppose you want to match the eDPI value of your friend. Here’s how to use the eDPI calculator:
Look at your friend’s settings, like DPI 1000 and sensitivity 0.8.
Choose the sensitivity type for your game. For CS:GO, this would be decimal sensitivity.
Use the formula to calculate your friend’s eDPI:
= DPI × sensitivity = 1000 × 0.8 = 800
Check your own settings, say your DPI is 500.
Now, calculate the sensitivity you need using the formula:
= Sensitivity = eDPI / DPI = 800 / 500 = 1.6
There you have it. You’ve figured out your eDPI settings. No more excuses now! Your friend can’t say they lost because you had better settings.