eDPI Explained

eDPI, short for effective dots per inch, is the single number that tells you how sensitive your aim really is in a game. Players use it to compare settings, copy a professional’s setup or keep the same feel after buying a new mouse. This guide explains what eDPI means, how to calculate it, why it only compares within one game, and how to turn it into a distance you can feel: your cm/360.

If you just want the number, use the eDPI Calculator.

What eDPI means

Two settings decide how far your crosshair moves when you move your mouse:

DPI (or CPI) is set on the mouse. It is how many counts the mouse sends for every inch you move it.
In-game sensitivity is set in the game. It decides how far the camera turns for every count.

Because both multiply each other, very different settings can feel identical. eDPI combines them:

eDPI = DPI x in-game sensitivity

DPI	Sensitivity	eDPI
400	0.8	320
800	0.4	320
1600	0.2	320

All three players above turn exactly the same amount for the same hand movement.

Why eDPI only compares within one game

Each game turns the camera by its own amount per count at sensitivity 1. This value is often called the yaw. A few well known ones:

Game	Degrees per count at sensitivity 1
Valorant	0.07
CS2	0.022
Apex Legends	0.022
Overwatch 2	0.0066

Because the yaw differs, the same eDPI feels different in each game. 320 eDPI in Valorant feels about the same as roughly 1,018 eDPI in CS2, because Valorant turns about 3.18 times more per count. Compare eDPI only with players of the same game.

From eDPI to cm/360

The fairest way to compare across games is the distance you move your mouse to turn a full circle, called cm/360 (or inches/360).

Counts needed for a full turn = 360 / (sensitivity x yaw)
Inches per 360 = counts / DPI
cm per 360 = inches x 2.54

Example, Valorant at 800 DPI and sensitivity 0.4: 360 / (0.4 x 0.07) is about 12,857 counts. Divided by 800 DPI that is about 16.1 inches, or about 40.8 cm for a full turn.

The same player in CS2 at 800 DPI and sensitivity 1.27 needs about 12,885 counts, which is about 40.9 cm. The two settings feel practically the same, even though the eDPI values (320 and 1,016) look very different.

The Mouse Sensitivity Converter does this conversion for you.

Does DPI or sensitivity matter more?

For eDPI, neither: doubling your DPI and halving your sensitivity gives exactly the same eDPI and the same cm/360. In practice many players pick one DPI, such as 800 or 1600, and only change the in-game sensitivity. That keeps your desktop cursor speed stable and makes settings easy to compare.

If you are not sure your mouse really sends the DPI it is set to, measure it with the Mouse DPI Analyzer.

How to choose your eDPI

There is no perfect value. It depends on the game, your mouse pad size and whether you aim with your wrist or your whole arm.

Start with a comfortable cm/360. You should be able to turn around fully with one smooth sweep on your mouse pad.
Lower eDPI gives you more control over small, precise movements but needs more space for fast turns.
Higher eDPI makes fast turns easy but small adjustments harder.
Change in small steps, around 10 percent at a time, and give each setting a few days.
Practise with a goal, for example with the Aim Trainer.

eDPI calculators for each game

Frequently asked questions

Is eDPI the same as DPI?

No. DPI is a mouse setting. eDPI is DPI multiplied by your in-game sensitivity, so it describes your aim in a specific game.

Can I compare my Valorant eDPI with a CS2 player?

Not directly, because the games turn different amounts per count. Compare cm/360 instead, or convert with the sensitivity converter.

Does eDPI include scoped or ADS sensitivity?

No. eDPI uses your normal hip fire sensitivity. Scopes and aim down sights settings are separate multipliers.

Does Windows pointer speed change eDPI?

Not in games that use raw input, which most modern shooters do. It does change your desktop cursor speed.