How to Check your Mouse DPI [4 Easy Methods]

Let me start with some interesting data…

People (especially gamers) in the United States have a curiosity to know their mouse dpi and hence they search google for:

• How to check your mouse dpi
• How to find mouse dpi
• What is my DPI
• Mouse dpi checker
• Mouse dpi analyzer
• And many more queries!

You might not know that I’m a good mind reader and the whole day I analyze people and their behavior (Just kidding 😉)

Here’s how I know…

The google trends tool is one of my best friends and it shows me what people in the US are looking for:

The above data shows that among all the 4 queries, the most searched queries on Google are as follows:

• What is my dpi [Average 40]
• How to check mouse dpi [Average 33]
• How to find mouse dpi [Average 22]
• Dpi checker [Average just 16]

You can learn more about google trends. Simply google it 😉

Now, the purpose behind showing the data is just to let you know that you are not the only one who is looking to find your mouse dpi.

So just relax, and read this complete guide that covers:

• What is Mouse DPI?
• How to check mouse dpi (using different methods)
• How does mouse dpi reading work?
• Online Mouse DPI Analyzer
• A simple guide on What DPI Should I use for Gaming and How High a DPI you actually need
• And a few faqs!

So with that being said, let me warn you before I start the guide…

Warning: This is a complete in-depth guide that covers all the queries, right from finding What is my DPI to How High a DPI you need, everything is covered. So use the below-provided table of content to read what you are looking for!

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What is Mouse DPI?

Well you might be knowing that “DPI stands for dots per inch”

But here’s some useful info that you might not know…

DPI simply indicates “how sensitive the mouse sensor is”.

A point to note here is that I said “sensitive”, not “accurate”, as those are completely different things.

Keep in mind: A sensitive sensor (sensor with a high DPI) is not necessarily an accurate one!

It’s simple, the higher DPI will move the cursor faster on the screen. Let’s understand this…

Each dot interacts directly with a single on-screen pixel.

Suppose, if you’re gaming in 1080p and you move your 1000 DPI mouse vertically just one inch, now, the cursor will have moved by 1000 pixels, which is almost the full height of the display.

And if we take the example of about a 2000 DPI mouse, in this case, the cursor would move from the top to the bottom of the screen in just half an inch – I hope you get the picture 😎

A more sensitive mouse is usually good for gaming as the cursor – or more likely a crosshair – will react to even small movements of the mouse.

Do you know? Most people are obsessed with Higher DPI. (More on this later)

Now you might say, Hey Kevin, I know all this stuff but what’s the use of this? 

Honestly speaking, it’s just the info a gamer should know and even though I know that most of the gamers know about it, this section was for new gamers or people who don’t know the basics.

It’s fairly easy to find out the mouse DPI, but it does require some trials and a bit of headache in finding it.

Now, let’s come to the main topic, which is

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How to Check your Mouse DPI?

As I said above, it’s easier to say than to actually find mouse DPI, so let me break down 4 simple methods that will help you check your mouse DPI on Windows 10.

4 Methods to Check Mouse DPI:

1. Check the Mouse Product Box or Sales Page
2. Use MS Paint to find out the DPI
3. Use one of the below mentioned online DPI analyzers
4. Check the DPI inside your mouse controlling software

Note: You don’t need to search for how to check your mouse dpi on windows 7,8 etc. All the methods provided below work on all windows, just do not hesitate to try.

Method 1: Check the Product box/ Description

Although this method won’t necessarily work for you, it’s worth checking before you scroll down to the other methods.

If you bought a branded or even a non-branded mouse, you have a chance that the DPI value is printed on the box the mouse came in. 😉

All you need to do is to find your Mouse box (which is the biggest challenge 😜 ) and then simply try to find the DPI in the product description which is usually printed on the box. 

If you don’t find the box, no worries. It’s very likely that you have bought it online so simply go to the product description page on the sales websites.

For now, if I check out the mouse on Amazon, the mouse DPI is clearly mentioned on the product page.

If you can find your mouse model number then you will definitely find it on the eCommerce sites.

Some expensive gaming mice have an adjustable mouse DPI ranging from 600 to 3600. 😉

Most brands will have the sensitivity and DPI mentioned on their official websites. For example, popular brands like Corsair or Logitech most likely include it.

Corsair & Logitech mouse users would be very happy as DPI is easy to find with this method. Simply go to amazon and search for your model no. You’ll get it.

Well, I’m not a pro gamer, nor a teenager living a lavishing life, so I don’t invest in expensive devices and as a result, I’m using a non-branded mouse 😜 bought from a local shop.

And hence couldn’t find my mouse dpi on the eCommerce sites nor on the product box.

Don’t Miss: 21+ Awesome Windows 10 Tips and Tricks

It would be great if you share which mouse you are using i.e branded or non-branded. (In comments)

Even though it was not necessary to find my mouse dpi, just for the sake of this tutorial, I researched a bit and found some of the methods by which you and I can check our mouse dpi instantly.

So, let me break down other methods…

Method 2: Use MS Paint to Find your Mouse DPI

Although weird, this method is one of the confusing ways to find your mouse dpi.

If you have read kinds of stuff online and you are still confused about how to actually use this method, I am sure you will get it here. (Remember I mentioned at the beginning of the post that this is a complete guide and I actually mean it)

So, here’s how it goes…

First, you should get a simple ruler and then mark two points separated by a distance of 1 inch (2.54 cm).

You can do that on your mouse pad or any surface you are going to place your mouse.

Just like me, you can use a pencil on your table to mark the distance. (Remember to rub it before your mom sees it 😜)

Next, disable pointer precision on your PC.

To do that, follow these steps:

• Go to the search box and type “Mouse”
• In the best results, you’ll get “Mouse Settings”, click on it

• Now, click on Additional mouse options which you can find in the right sidebar

• Navigate to the Pointer Options tab.
• Untick the enhance pointer precision box to disable it.

• Now simply, click on the apply button and then OK.

Now you have successfully disabled the pointer precision. Just open Paint software on your PC.

Note: Once you are in the MS Paint software, make sure that the “Zoom option” at the bottom right corner is set at 100%.

Now, just follow the steps which may seem confusing, but if you practically do it then you’ll easily understand it.

• STEP 1: Select the Pencil tool
• STEP 2: Watch this 2 years old working tutorial

I can easily illustrate all the steps, but it will be much harder for you to understand and I don’t want you to scratch your head.

So that’s the reason I have attached a short video tutorial that demonstrates how to check your mouse dpi using ms paint.

I hope you understood that, if not then you might be confused. 

For those you didn’t understand, just move your mouse “1 inch” on the gamepad/table not on the screen. For a second just focus on the mouse and move it.

Repeat it at least 3-4 times to get the average DPI of your mouse.

For example, the video creator gets DPI of 1159, 1070, 1147, so you can now assume that your mouse dpi is 1000 or more than 1000, you won’t be able to figure out the exact numbers.

So don’t waste your time and get a rough idea.

If you find this method hard then you can move on to the next method…

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Method 3: Use an Online DPI Analyzer

There are few online tools available that let you check your mouse dpi for free!

4 Online Mouse DPI Analyzers to Calculate Mouse Sensor Sensitivity:

• Mouse DPI Analyzer
• Mouse DPI Calculator by Easy Calculation
• Mouse Sensitivity Calculator by Mouse-Sensitivity
• Mouse Sensitivity Calculator by No Talent

You can use any of the DPI Checkers to test your mouse dpi.

The benefit of using this method is it’s browser-based, so it doesn’t matter whether you want to check your mouse dpi on Windows 10 or Mac OS. 

This method works for everyone who has an active internet connection.

For the sake of this tutorial, I’m going to use an online DPI analyzer or rather say a calculator.

It’s free and easy to use, and more importantly not as confusing as the MS Paint method but it works similarly.

Just follow the steps below:

• First, visit this web page
• Scroll down to the DPI Analyzer section (just above this section you can find the Instructions)

• Enter 1 as the Target distance and all other settings unchanged.
• Now, you will see a red crosshair under these settings as shown below.

• Now, place your mouse once again at the zero inch mark on your mouse pad/table/white paper/ruler.
• Click the red crosshair, hold on it and move your mouse to the right on your mouse pad/table/white paper/ruler until you reach the 1-inch mark.

Once you complete the test, the tool will show your mouse DPI.

This is one of the easiest methods to find your mouse DPI and also a little more accurate than the above mentioned MS Paint method.

As I mentioned before, there are a number of such Online DPI testers but DPI Analyzer by Mouse-Sensitivity[dot]com is rated as the best.

It’s free, no strings attached. So I would recommend you check your mouse dpi using this DPI Analyzer.

Now let’s move to the final method…

Method 4: Use the DPI Settings Software

This is also the easiest way to find your mouse DPI, simply download the appropriate software from the manufacturer website.

In fact, if your mouse DPI is adjustable, you can use this method to change your mouse DPI to the one you want in real life.

Brands like Logitech, Razer, etc, have dedicated softwares that allows you to control and change your Mouse DPI in real-time.

You can download the software for Logitech mice (Windows & MAC OS) on Logitech G hub here. If you are using Windows (without another brand), then you must download the Mouse and Keyboard center from here.

The image above is an example of Logitech’s G Hub software which allows you to control your Mouse DPI, sensitivity and other advanced things which I don’t know 😜 

It’s really easy to find out your “actual DPI” without much work.

Woah! I have shown you almost all the known methods by which you can easily check your mouse DPI irrespective of your windows.

Whether you have successfully figured out your mouse DPI or not, you must read this additional info which will be very helpful.

And if you don’t wanna read then you can simply exit by leaving 2 comments, one: which mouse you’re using and second whether you have got your DPI or not.

I’m always interested in knowing others things 😜

Anyways, let’s move ahead…

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How does Mouse DPI Reading work?

Keeping it very short and easy to understand…

The higher the DPI of a mouse, the farther it will move when you move it through a particular distance. A mouse with higher DPI is more sensitive and reacts more to even smaller movements.

For example, If your mouse has a DPI of let’s say 1600, then, your mouse will move by 1600 pixels when you move it through just 1 inch.

I hope you got it…

Don’t Miss: 21+ Awesome Windows 10 Tips and Tricks

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What DPI should I use for Gaming & How High a DPI you actually need?

As I already mentioned above, I’m not a pro gamer, but for the sake of this tutorial, I really dug deep to find out

• Why the gaming mouse with high dpi is expensive?
• How high a DPI a gamer needs?
• What’s the benefit? etc, etc questions come to my mind. 

So I researched and found the information which may be helpful for you. Let’s go…

We all know that there are mice available in the market with a DPI as high as 16000, which seriously generates curiosity as to know how high a DPI should be?

A mouse with 8000 DPI can be seen as overkill when paired with a 4K monitor, so I wonder if there is really any point to these insanely high DPI specs that cost more?

Here are the answers to the questions above:

While researching I found that High DPI somewhat matters and there is one advantage to having a mouse with high DPI, i.e it’s adjustability.

Nowadays all gaming mice now allow the user to switch between different sensitivity settings on the fly, simply using a button that’s usually placed above the scroll wheel. (You know that)

This is a very useful feature that allows gamers to cycle between low-sensitivity and high-sensitivity settings based on what the situation requires, something that can be quite convenient in shooting games.

For example, you could use a high-sensitivity setting as your default setting and switch to a low-sensitivity setting for sniping, allowing for a steadier and more accurate aim.

So, all in all, I figured out that the minimum DPI one should aim for should roughly correspond to the horizontal resolution of your display, and fortunately, this isn’t something you and I need to worry about as nowadays even the cheapest gaming mice come with a DPI of 2400 or 3200.

And as for the maximum DPI, there really is no such thing. Extra sensitivity cannot hurt but DPI definitely shouldn’t be something to judge a gaming mouse by.

So that’s what my research says. And thankfully I figured out why gamers purchase a High DPI mouse. (Good work Kevin 😉)

The answer to the question: How High a DPI I actually need? Purely depends on the games that a gamer usually plays.

Just remember this: The higher your DPI, the more sensitive your mouse is but as I already mentioned above that higher sensitivity does not equal accuracy or quality.

All in all, part-time gamers or rather say non-gamers like me don’t need to worry about this.

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Over to you!

Woah! the conclusion part.

In future when you’re looking to purchase a budget mouse branded or even a non-branded one, you should try to find out the mouse DPI on the product box itself or on the sales website otherwise you have to go through some of the painful methods (stated above) just to check your mouse dpi.

It seems like a piece of valuable advice, right?

Anyways, now let me share one interesting story…

One fine day, I and my friends were hanging out and most of them were gamers, so they usually talked about the gaming stuff and Mckay just asked how do I check my mouse DPI?

And then Rahul (one of my Indian friend) answered the question and that time my curiosity aroused and even I wanted to know my mouse DPI.

The non-branded mouse that I bought from a nearby local shop had no specs printed on the box, so I had to use other methods to check its DPI. 

So I called Rahul and he helped me and also he was the one who suggested that I should write on this topic and help other gamers.

However, I’m not someone who solely plays shooting games like Battlefield 5 and Apex Legends. I don’t usually stress much about the DPI. 

But just for the sake of this tutorial, I researched a lot and tried to cover all the topics.

Now, if you’re determined to find out your mouse DPI,  this is the ultimate guide which is even upvoted by my knowledgeable friend Rahul…

So there should be no doubts about the authenticity of the methods shown in this tutorial.

Anyways, Let me know in the comments,

a) which mouse you’re using i.e branded or non-branded & b) whether you have found your mouse dpi or not.

Additionally, you can ask if you have any other questions. Share this with your gaming buddies to help them find theirs! 😉

I’ll end with a few faqs…

FAQ Related to Mouse DPI

How do I find my mouse dpi Windows 10?

Finding mouse DPI on any WIndows is easy. Just use any of the above-demonstrated methods. Checking DPI online would be much preferable than any other method.

Is 1000 DPI good for gaming?

I have already explained this thing above but then too let me give you a precise answer.

High-DPI mice are more useful if you have a higher-resolution monitor. If you’re playing a game on a low-resolution 1366×768 laptop screen, you don’t necessarily need high DPI.

All in all, 1000 DPI can be considered good for gaming.

Is it better to have high or low mouse DPI?

As mentioned above, it depends on what you need it for. For example, gamers usually prefer a high DPI mouse for quick sensitivity and fast scrolling, especially in shooting games.
So games are the deciding factor.

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