How to Check Your Mouse DPI
Windows does not show your mouse DPI in any built-in settings panel. The DPI value lives in the mouse firmware or companion software. Here are five methods that work depending on what mouse you have.
Once you know your DPI, use the Mouse DPI Calculator to calculate your eDPI or find the right sensitivity for your setup.
Method 1: Mouse Companion Software (Most Accurate)
Most gaming mice come with companion software that shows the exact DPI of each stage and lets you change it. The current active DPI is displayed in the main interface.
| Brand | Software |
|---|---|
| Logitech | Logitech G HUB |
| Razer | Razer Synapse |
| SteelSeries | SteelSeries Engine |
| Corsair | Corsair iCUE |
| HyperX | HyperX NGENUITY |
| Roccat | Roccat Swarm |
| Glorious | Glorious Core |
Open the software, select your mouse, and look for the Sensitivity, DPI, or Performance section. The active DPI stage will be highlighted or labeled as current.
Method 2: DPI Button on the Mouse
Many gaming mice have a DPI cycle button (usually on the top near the scroll wheel or on the side). The current DPI stage is often shown by an LED indicator that changes color per stage. Check your mouse's manual or manufacturer website to find which color corresponds to which DPI value. Without the companion software, you may only know the color, not the exact DPI.
Method 3: Manufacturer Product Page
For mice without companion software or LED indicators, check the product page on the manufacturer's website. Search for your exact model number (usually printed on a label on the underside of the mouse) and find the DPI specifications. Budget and office mice often have fixed DPI (commonly 800, 1000, or 1200 DPI) with no ability to change it. The product page will confirm this.
Method 4: Online DPI Calculator Test
If you have no documentation and no software, the Mouse DPI Calculator can help you measure your effective DPI through a physical movement test.
The method:
- Open the DPI calculator.
- Mark a physical start point on your mousepad.
- Move the mouse a measured distance (for example, exactly 10 cm).
- Check how many pixels the cursor moved.
- Calculate: DPI = pixels moved / centimeters moved x 2.54
This gives you a close approximation of your actual hardware DPI.
Method 5: Windows Pointer Settings (What It Is Not)
Windows has a pointer speed slider in Settings under Bluetooth and devices, Mouse, Additional mouse settings, Pointer Options. This is NOT your DPI. It is a Windows-level sensitivity multiplier applied on top of your hardware DPI. Moving this slider does not tell you your DPI. For accurate DPI information, use Methods 1 through 4 above. The Windows slider should be set to the middle position (6/11) and left there when you want to control sensitivity through hardware DPI and in-game settings only.
What to Do With Your DPI Once You Know It
Compare it to pro settings: Most competitive FPS pros use 400 to 800 DPI. If you are at 1600 DPI or higher, consider lowering it and adjusting in-game sensitivity to match (same eDPI, lower hardware DPI).
Calculate your eDPI: Use the Mouse DPI Calculator to understand your current eDPI and how it compares to recommended ranges. Also check out what eDPI means and why it matters.
Convert between games: Use the Mouse Sensitivity Converter if you play multiple FPS games and want to match the feel between them.