What is DPI? A Complete Gaming Guide
DPI stands for Dots Per Inch — a hardware measurement that determines how many pixels your cursor moves on screen for every inch you physically move your mouse. In gaming, DPI is one of the most critical settings for aim accuracy, especially in competitive FPS titles like Valorant, CS2, and Apex Legends.
What is eDPI? (Effective DPI)
eDPI (Effective Dots Per Inch) is the universal standard for comparing mouse sensitivity across different hardware setups. The formula is simple:
Two players with different hardware can have the exact same aim feel if their eDPI matches. 800 DPI × 0.5 sensitivity = 400 eDPI, which is identical to 400 DPI × 1.0 sensitivity = 400 eDPI.
What DPI Should You Use? (Pro Player Data)
Most competitive FPS pros use 400–800 DPI with a low in-game sensitivity:
| Pro Player | Game | DPI | Sensitivity | eDPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TenZ | Valorant | 800 | 0.3 | 240 |
| Aspas | Valorant | 800 | 0.4 | 320 |
| s1mple | CS2 | 400 | 3.09 | 1236 |
| NiKo | CS2 | 400 | 1.4 | 560 |
| ZywOo | CS2 | 400 | 2 | 800 |
Frequently Asked Questions About DPI
What does DPI mean in gaming?
DPI (Dots Per Inch) measures how sensitive your mouse hardware is. A 400 DPI mouse sends 400 movement signals per inch. Higher DPI = faster cursor. Most FPS pros use 400–800 DPI with a low in-game sensitivity for maximum precision.
Is higher DPI better for gaming?
Not necessarily. Higher DPI isn't automatically better. What matters is your eDPI (DPI × sensitivity). Most competitive players prefer 400–800 DPI because lower DPI reduces rounding errors in older game engines. Modern games handle any DPI well.
What is a good DPI for FPS games?
400–800 DPI is ideal for FPS games like Valorant and CS2. This allows precise control with a low in-game sensitivity. For MOBA games like League of Legends, higher DPI (1600–3200) works better for rapid camera movement.
Can I change DPI without affecting aim?
Yes — if you adjust your in-game sensitivity proportionally. If you double your DPI from 400 to 800, halve your in-game sensitivity. Your eDPI stays the same, and your aim feel is preserved. Use our sensitivity converter to recalculate instantly.
Need to transfer your DPI settings to a new game?
Use the Sensitivity Converter →