What is eDPI? The Complete Guide to Effective DPI
Last Updated: 2026-01-26
eDPI (effective DPI) equals your mouse DPI multiplied by in-game sensitivity. It's the universal metric for comparing mouse sensitivity across different hardware setups. For example, 800 DPI at 0.5 sensitivity = 400 eDPI.
What is eDPI?
eDPI stands for effective Dots Per Inch. It combines your mouse hardware DPI with your in-game sensitivity into a single number that represents your true mouse speed.
When you move your mouse one inch, your mouse DPI determines how many pixels the cursor travels. Your in-game sensitivity then multiplies this movement. The result is your effective DPI—the actual speed at which your crosshair moves in-game.
This matters because two players can have completely different hardware settings yet achieve identical aim feel. A player using 400 DPI with 1.0 sensitivity has the same crosshair speed as someone using 1600 DPI with 0.25 sensitivity—both equal 400 eDPI.
The eDPI Formula
Understanding the math behind eDPI helps you transfer settings between games and hardware.
| Mouse DPI | Sensitivity | eDPI | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400 | 1.0 | 400 | Classic low-DPI setup |
| 800 | 0.35 | 280 | Typical Valorant pro range |
| 1600 | 0.5 | 800 | High-DPI equivalent |
Why eDPI Matters
eDPI solves a fundamental problem: comparing sensitivity across different setups.
Compare Across Setups
Two players with different DPI settings can have identical aim feel if their eDPI matches. Player A using 400 DPI at 1.0 sens has the same 400 eDPI as Player B using 800 DPI at 0.5 sens.
Transfer Settings Between Games
When switching from CS2 to Valorant, convert your eDPI to cm/360, then find the equivalent sensitivity in the new game. This maintains your muscle memory across titles.
Benchmark Against Pros
Pro player settings are published as eDPI values. Knowing your eDPI lets you see if you're in the typical range (200-400 for Valorant, 400-1200 for CS2) or an outlier.
Practical Examples
See how different DPI and sensitivity combinations produce the same eDPI.
Same eDPI, Different Hardware
Consider three players who all want 400 eDPI:
- Player A: 400 DPI × 1.0 sens = 400 eDPI
- Player B: 800 DPI × 0.5 sens = 400 eDPI
- Player C: 1600 DPI × 0.25 sens = 400 eDPI
All three players experience identical crosshair movement per inch of mouse travel.
eDPI vs cm/360
Both metrics measure sensitivity, but they serve different purposes.
eDPI (Effective DPI)
- Calculated as DPI x Sensitivity
- Game-specific (different games have different scales)
- Easy to calculate and compare
- Most commonly used metric
cm/360 (Centimeters per 360)
- Physical distance to complete a 360-degree turn
- Universal across all games
- Requires knowing the game's sensitivity formula
- More accurate for cross-game comparison
Pro Tips for Using eDPI
Apply these insights to optimize your sensitivity setup.
Start with Pro Ranges
Valorant pros average 200-400 eDPI. CS2 pros use 400-1200 eDPI. Start within these ranges and adjust based on your playstyle.
Match Your Mousepad
Lower eDPI requires more desk space. If your eDPI is below 300, you need at least a 45cm mousepad for comfortable 180-degree turns.
Commit for One Week
Muscle memory takes 5-7 days to develop. Avoid changing sensitivity during this period, even if it feels wrong initially.