Introduction

You just watched a pro player dominate a Valorant match. You copied their sensitivity into your settings, loaded into a game, and your crosshair flew across the screen like it had a mind of its own. Same game. Same number. Completely different feel.

The problem is not the number. It is the missing context behind it.

Mouse sensitivity is described by three terms that sound almost identical: DPI, CPI, and eDPI. Mouse boxes advertise DPI in huge numbers like 26,000 or 30,000. Some spec sheets say CPI instead. And pro settings pages list something called eDPI. If you don't know how these three relate, copying settings and comparing mice quickly becomes guesswork.

This article explains what DPI, CPI, and eDPI mean, how to calculate your eDPI, the sensitivity ranges pro players use in popular shooters, and how to find the right settings for your own aim.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Quick Answer: DPI vs CPI vs eDPI
• DPI vs CPI: Are They the Same Thing?
• What Is eDPI and How Do You Calculate It?
• Is Higher DPI Better for Gaming?
• What Is a Good eDPI for CS2 and Valorant?
• How to Find Your Ideal DPI and eDPI
• How to Check or Change Your Mouse DPI
• Can You Use the Same eDPI Across Different Games?
• What to Look for in a Gaming Mouse
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Quick Answer: DPI vs CPI vs eDPI

• DPI (Dots Per Inch) describes how far your cursor moves on screen for every inch you physically move your mouse. It's a setting on the mouse itself, not the game.
• CPI (Counts Per Inch) describes how many movement counts the mouse sensor reports per inch. For gaming purposes, DPI and CPI are interchangeable.
• eDPI (Effective DPI) is your mouse DPI multiplied by your in-game sensitivity. It describes your effective sensitivity in a specific game.

DPI vs CPI: Are They the Same Thing?

What Is DPI?

DPI stands for Dots Per Inch. For a mouse, it describes how far the cursor moves on screen for every inch you physically move the mouse.

At 800 DPI, moving your mouse one inch moves the cursor about 800 pixels. At 1600 DPI, the same inch moves the cursor about 1600 pixels. This assumes Windows pointer speed is at the default 6/11 and Enhance Pointer Precision is turned off.

Higher DPI means the cursor moves farther with less hand movement. Lower DPI means more physical movement is needed to cover the same distance.

Most modern gaming mice allow you to change your DPI using a button on the mouse or through dedicated software.

If you want the basics of DPI first, check out The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Gaming Mouse DPI.

What Is CPI?

CPI stands for Counts Per Inch. It describes how many movement "counts" the mouse sensor reports to your PC for every inch you move the mouse. A count is the smallest unit of movement the sensor detects.

DPI was originally a printing term. It described how many ink dots a printer could place per inch. The mouse industry borrowed the term, which is why it does not fit perfectly. A mouse does not print dots. It counts movement.

Sensor manufacturers and many enthusiast reviewers prefer CPI because it describes what the sensor actually does.

For gaming purposes, 800 DPI and 800 CPI describe the same setting. CPI is the more technically accurate name, while DPI is the more commonly used term on gaming mouse boxes and in mouse software.

Why DPI Alone Doesn't Tell the Full Story

On your desktop, mouse movement counts determine how far your cursor moves. But in most shooters, there is no cursor. Each count turns your camera by a small angle, and the in-game sensitivity decides how big that angle is.

This means two players with the same DPI can turn at completely different speeds in the same game.

To compare their sensitivity properly, you need a number that combines both settings. That number is eDPI.

What Is eDPI and How Do You Calculate It?

eDPI stands for Effective DPI. It combines your mouse DPI and your in-game sensitivity into one number that describes your effective sensitivity in a specific game.

DPI tells you what your mouse sends. In-game sensitivity tells you how the game uses it. eDPI combines the two.

The eDPI Formula

eDPI = Mouse DPI × In-Game Sensitivity

Here is how it works in practice, using Valorant as an example:

Players A, B, and C use three different DPI settings, but they all have an eDPI of 320. In-game, they turn the same distance for every inch of mouse movement.

Now look at Player D. They use the same in-game sensitivity as Player B, but their eDPI is twice as high. Player D turns twice as fast.

This is why copying someone's in-game sensitivity without their DPI does not work.

eDPI Only Works Within One Game

Every game uses its own sensitivity scale. A sensitivity of 0.4 in Valorant is not the same as 0.4 in CS2.

Only compare eDPI between players in the same game.

Is Higher DPI Better for Gaming?

Not automatically. Gaming mice now advertise 26,000 or even 30,000 DPI, but most players use settings far below those numbers.

A higher DPI makes your mouse more sensitive at the same in-game setting. It does not automatically make your aim more accurate.

Why Maximum DPI Isn't Everything

Max DPI tells you the highest setting the sensor can reach, not how well it performs.

What actually matters is how accurately the sensor tracks at the DPI you use every day. Clean tracking, consistent movement, and a reliable sensor matter more than the maximum DPI printed on the box.

Modern gaming sensors, like the PixArt PAW3395 and PAW3950, can track accurately across the DPI ranges most players use.

Low DPI: 400–800

For years, 400 and 800 DPI have been standard among competitive FPS players.

Low DPI paired with moderate in-game sensitivity feels controlled and predictable, and many professional players have used these settings for years.

If you already play at 400 or 800 DPI and your aim feels consistent, there is no need to change just because your mouse supports a higher number.

Higher DPI: 1600–3200

More players are now moving to 1600 DPI or higher with a lower in-game sensitivity. The eDPI stays the same, but there are a few potential advantages:

• Smoother movement: Each sensor count turns your camera by a smaller angle, so fine adjustments can appear less steppy.
• Better use of high polling rates: At 4000Hz or 8000Hz, higher DPI can provide more movement counts for the mouse to report during small movements.
• A more responsive desktop: The cursor moves comfortably across the screen without raising Windows pointer speed.

Higher DPI can also be useful outside competitive shooters.

For MOBA, MMORPG, or strategy games where you frequently move a cursor across the screen, many players prefer 1600 to 3200 DPI because it lets them reach the edges of the screen with less hand movement.

However, raising DPI without lowering your in-game sensitivity also makes small movements harder to control. Some sensors may introduce smoothing at very high DPI settings.

Our recommendation: Start at 800 or 1600 DPI. Then reach your target eDPI by adjusting the in-game sensitivity, rather than chasing a bigger DPI number.

If you're considering a 4K or 8K mouse, Mouse Polling Rate Explained: 1000Hz vs 4000Hz vs 8000Hz explains how polling rate and DPI work together.

What Is a Good eDPI for CS2 and Valorant?

There is no perfect eDPI for everyone. Most competitive FPS players use relatively low sensitivities, allowing them to make controlled arm movements and smaller adjustments when aiming.

Professional settings can give you a useful starting point.

Counter-Strike 2

Data from 820 active CS2 pros, as of October 2026, shows a clear pattern:

• Median eDPI: 800
• Middle half of all pros: 707–960 eDPI
• At or below 800 eDPI: 55% of players
• Above 1200 eDPI: Only 6% of players

The DPI split is just as interesting. In the original dataset, 47% of CS2 pros use 400 DPI, and 45% use 800 DPI. Other DPI settings account for a much smaller share.

Valorant

Valorant uses a different sensitivity scale, so the same physical turning distance produces a smaller eDPI number.

A CS2 eDPI of 800 equals roughly 250 eDPI in Valorant. The CS2 middle range of 707–960 converts to approximately 220–300 eDPI in Valorant.

What These Numbers Mean for You

Pro players often use lower sensitivities than casual players expect.

For example, 800 eDPI in CS2 means moving your mouse about 52 cm (20.5 inches) for a full 360-degree turn.

Pro settings are a useful starting point, but they are not a rule. Many professional players aim with their whole arm on a large mousepad. If you have a small desk or prefer wrist aiming, a slightly higher eDPI may suit you better.

How to Find Your Ideal DPI and eDPI

There is no perfect sensitivity for everyone. But there is a simple process to find one that works for you.

Step 1: Pick a DPI and Stick With It

Choose 800 or 1600 DPI and save it in your mouse software.

From now on, adjust your in-game sensitivity rather than changing both settings at the same time. Changing both makes it difficult to know which adjustment helped.

Step 2: Start From a Proven Baseline

If you don't already have a sensitivity you like, start close to common competitive settings:

• CS2: 800 eDPI (800 DPI × 1.0, or 1600 DPI × 0.5)
• Valorant: Approximately 250 eDPI (800 DPI × 0.31, or 1600 DPI × 0.16)

These are starting points, not settings you have to keep.

Step 3: Test in a Practice Range

Load into a practice range or deathmatch and flick between targets.

• If you keep overshooting: Your sensitivity may be too high. Try lowering it.
• If you keep stopping short: Your sensitivity may be too low. Try raising it.
• If tracking moving targets feels shaky: Try going a little lower.

Another useful test is to place your mouse at the center of your mousepad and make a 180-degree turn.

If you consistently run out of mousepad space, your sensitivity may be too low for your available space. If you keep overshooting the turn, try lowering your sensitivity.

Step 4: Adjust in Small Steps

Change your in-game sensitivity by 5–10% at a time.

Big jumps can make every setting feel unfamiliar, especially if you have been using the same sensitivity for a long time.

Step 5: Give It Time

Once you find a sensitivity that feels right, play with it for at least a week before making another change.

Changing your settings after every bad round makes it harder to build consistent aiming habits.

Step 6: Write Down Your cm/360

Calculate your cm/360 and save it alongside your DPI and in-game sensitivity.

If you switch games, buy a new mouse, or reinstall your PC, you will have a reference for getting back to the same settings.

Common DPI and Sensitivity Mistakes

A few mistakes can make finding the right sensitivity more difficult:

• Copying a pro's DPI but ignoring their in-game sensitivity. You will end up with a different eDPI, even if your DPI matches.
• Changing sensitivity after a bad round. Constant adjustments make it difficult to get used to one setting.
• Using a small mousepad with very low sensitivity. You may run out of space during large turns or flicks.
• Leaving mouse acceleration enabled. In applications that use accelerated pointer input, movement distance can change depending on how quickly you move your mouse.

How to Check or Change Your Mouse DPI

Most gaming mice offer two ways to change DPI: a button on the mouse and more precise control through dedicated software.

Method 1: Mouse Software

The most reliable way to check and change your DPI is through your mouse software.

Look for a section called "DPI," "Sensitivity," or "Performance."

Most gaming mice let you save several DPI levels and switch between them. On supported Redragon mice, you can customize these levels in the dedicated software, available from the Redragon Software Download page.

For example, the Redragon PREDATOR M612 PRO supports adjustable DPI settings, so you can choose a value that suits your playstyle rather than relying only on the default presets.

Once you have selected your preferred DPI, apply and save your settings.

Method 2: The DPI Button

Most gaming mice have a DPI button, usually behind the scroll wheel or on the bottom of the mouse.

Each press cycles to the next DPI level. Many mice also change the LED color for each level, so check your manual to see which color matches which DPI.

If you only ever use one DPI, you can set all available DPI levels to the same value in the software. That way, an accidental button press will not change your sensitivity in the middle of a game.

Method 3: Measure Your Actual DPI

The DPI in your software is the target setting, but the actual value can be slightly different.

To check it, open an online DPI analyzer, place your mouse next to a ruler, and move it an exact distance, such as 10 cm. The tool can then estimate your actual DPI from the movement it measures.

Don't Forget Windows Settings

While adjusting your mouse, check these Windows settings:

1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse > Additional mouse settings.

2. Go to the Pointer Options tab.

3. Set pointer speed to the middle notch (6/11).

4. Uncheck Enhance pointer precision.

Enhance Pointer Precision is Windows mouse acceleration. It changes how far your cursor moves depending on how fast you move the mouse.

Most competitive shooters use raw mouse input, so Windows pointer speed typically does not affect your in-game sensitivity. When available, raw input is useful for keeping your in-game mouse movement independent of Windows pointer acceleration.

Can You Use the Same eDPI Across Different Games?

Not directly. Since every game uses its own sensitivity scale, you cannot simply copy the same in-game sensitivity or eDPI number from one title to another.

For example, to convert CS2 sensitivity to Valorant, multiply the CS2 sensitivity by approximately 0.314.

A CS2 sensitivity of 1.0 becomes roughly 0.314 in Valorant. Keep your mouse DPI the same and change the in-game sensitivity.

What Is cm/360?

One measurement works across different games: cm/360.

It is the physical distance you need to move your mouse to turn a full 360 degrees in-game.

• High sensitivity: Under 25 cm
• Medium sensitivity: 25–40 cm
• Low sensitivity: Over 40 cm

To measure it yourself, place your mouse next to a ruler, line your crosshair up with a clear point in-game, and move the mouse until you turn exactly one full circle. Then read the distance on the ruler.

For example, 800 DPI with a CS2 sensitivity of 1.0 gives approximately 52 cm per full turn.

Matching your cm/360 across games helps you keep the same physical turning distance, even when the games use different sensitivity scales.

What to Look for in a Gaming Mouse

The right mouse does not need the highest DPI on the market. It needs an accurate sensor, easy DPI control, and a polling rate that matches your setup.

When choosing a gaming mouse, look for:

• A reliable sensor: A quality optical sensor tracks movement accurately without unwanted jitter or acceleration.
• Adjustable DPI: DPI buttons and software control make it easier to set and save your preferred sensitivity.
• A suitable polling rate: 1000Hz is a common standard, while 4000Hz and 8000Hz offer more frequent reporting for players using high-refresh-rate setups.
• The right weight and shape: If you play at low sensitivity and make large arm movements, a lighter mouse may help reduce fatigue during long sessions.

Recommended Redragon Gaming Mice

Redragon K1NG M916 PRO (1K Hz)

The K1NG M916 PRO (1K Hz) uses the PixArt PAW3395 sensor with a DPI range from 50 to 26,000. You get five DPI levels that you can redefine in software, plus wired, 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth connections.

Best for: Most gamers who want a reliable 1000Hz mouse with full DPI control.

Redragon K1NG M916 PRO (4K Hz)

The K1NG M916 PRO (4K Hz) keeps the PAW3395 sensor and five custom DPI levels, but raises the polling rate to 4000Hz.

Players using 1600 DPI or higher with a lower in-game sensitivity can take advantage of finer movement counts while maintaining their preferred eDPI.

Best for: Competitive FPS players who want a higher polling rate, especially on high-refresh-rate monitors.

Redragon K1NG M916 ULT (8K Hz)

The K1NG M916 ULT (8K Hz) steps up to the PixArt PAW3950 sensor, up to 30,000 DPI, and an 8000Hz polling rate.

It comes with seven DPI levels out of the box (800, 1600, 2400, 3200, 6400, 26000, and 30000), and you can set custom values in software.

Best for: Enthusiasts with high-end PCs and high-refresh-rate monitors who want an 8K gaming mouse with extensive DPI customization.

You can explore more options in the Redragon gaming mice collection.

Conclusion

DPI and CPI are two names for the same mouse setting. eDPI combines that setting with your in-game sensitivity to show how fast you turn in a specific game.

A higher maximum DPI does not automatically make a better gaming mouse, and copying a pro player's in-game sensitivity without checking their DPI will not give you the same result.

Once you find a sensitivity that feels comfortable, give yourself time to get used to it. If you play multiple games, keep track of your cm/360 so you can match your physical turning distance across them.

The best sensitivity is not necessarily the one a pro uses. It is the one you can control consistently.

FAQs

Is DPI the Same as CPI?

Yes, for gaming purposes. DPI (Dots Per Inch) and CPI (Counts Per Inch) describe the same mouse setting. CPI is the more technically accurate term, but most brands and mouse software use DPI.

How Do I Calculate eDPI?

Multiply your mouse DPI by your in-game sensitivity.

For example, 800 DPI with an in-game sensitivity of 0.4 gives you an eDPI of 320.

Is 800 or 1600 DPI Better?

Neither is better on its own. If your eDPI is the same, your in-game turning speed is the same.

1600 DPI with a lower in-game sensitivity can provide finer movement steps and may be useful with 4K and 8K polling rates, while 800 DPI remains a reliable choice for many competitive players.

What Is a Good eDPI for CS2?

In the CS2 professional player data discussed above, the median eDPI is 800, with the middle half of players between roughly 707 and 960.

A common starting setup is 800 DPI with an in-game sensitivity of 1.0, or 400 DPI with a sensitivity of 2.0.

Do I Need to Change My Sensitivity If I Change My DPI?

Yes, if you want to keep the same effective sensitivity.

Use this formula:

New Sensitivity = Old Sensitivity × Old DPI ÷ New DPI

For example, if you switch from 800 DPI at 1.0 sensitivity to 1600 DPI, set your new sensitivity to 0.5 to maintain the same eDPI.

Does Monitor Resolution Affect eDPI?

Not in most 3D shooters. Your turning speed is based on angles, so it stays the same at any resolution.

On the desktop, a higher resolution means each inch of mouse movement covers less of the screen, so you may prefer a higher DPI.