While DPI refers to how far your cursor travels when you move your mouse, CPI – or counts-per-inch – refers to how sensitive your mouse is to movement.Įssentially, a mouse sensor can count a certain number of “steps” when you move your mouse an inch, then relay that information to your computer. What is the Difference Between DPI, CPI, and Mouse Sensitivity?ĭPI and CPI are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. If it’s 1600, your cursor will move 1600 pixels when you move your mouse an inch.Īverage mice range between 8 DPI, though gaming mice often feature DPIs greater than 4000 – and some models range up to 20,000 DPI or more. It’s sometimes called mouse resolution.įor example, if your DPI is 800, your cursor will move 800 pixels when you move your mouse one inch. Mouse DPI, or dots-per-inch, refers to how many pixels your on-screen cursor moves for every inch you move your mouse. Here’s what mouse DPI means and how it affects gameplay and productivity, plus how to change mouse DPI to achieve optimal performance.

There are several ways to change mouse DPI: Many people know that mouse DPI can profoundly impact performance, which is why serious gamers and productivity professionals change the DPI on their mouse for speed, precision, and personal comfort. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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