The DPI of a mouse determines its sensitivity. DPI stands for dots per inch, and so a mouse with a higher DPI will move the cursor on screen farther than a lower-DPI mouse when both are moved the same distance.

This is a problem if you're a gamer, though this commodity isn't going to get into the contend of whether a lower or higher DPI setting is best. Games frequently permit you use a college DPI with a lower sensitivity then you move the mouse the same distance: this is useful if you're changing mouse or playing a different game and don't want to have to relearn that muscle memory for turning 360°, for instance. In that location are even online calculators that can translate your settings from one game to some other.

Many gaming mice have buttons that let y'all switch DPI on the fly while y'all're playing, too, but what if y'all don't know your mouse's DPI? Or you don't know the DPI settings it switches between?

It can be tricky to discover out with some mice, only hither are a few ways yous tin can make up one's mind the DPI of your mouse.

i. Check the manufacturer's specifications

The most obvious thing y'all can exercise is search online for your brand and model. Unless it's an unbranded mouse, there's a run a risk y'all'll discover a spec sheet which lists the DPI effigy.

How to check mouse DPI

Typically, this will be the highest DPI on offer rather than the range the mouse supports, simply some manufacturers including Logitech specify the range.

2. Install the drivers

Again, unless you take an unbranded mouse which relies solely on Windows' stock mouse driver you should be able to download the appropriate software from the manufacturer'due south website.

This normally gives you many more options than the congenital-in Windows ones, including the ability to change what all the buttons exercise and – relevant hither – choose the DPI setting.

When you install the drivers for your mouse, you typically also get a standalone app which you can run to get to all the settings and options.

The DPI setting will be in a dissimilar location in each manufacturer's app so you might take to search around to find it.

How to check mouse DPI

For example, in Logitech'southward Gaming Software you have to click on the icon with a pointer and a cog. With a G402 mouse, it'south possible to set up upwardly to five unlike DPI levels, just the mouse itself has but iii LEDs to indicate which level is selected.

You can also customise the actual DPI settings for each level – a common feature on gaming mice.

Mouse acceleration

Note that it's important for gamers to uncheck acceleration, because otherwise the distance you motion the mouse won't necessarily correspond to on-screen movements: acceleration ways the faster you lot motility the mouse, the more than the pointer (or your graphic symbol) moves.

Some mouse software has the option, but you'll discover information technology in the Windows 10 Command Panel (not the Settings app). Go to Hardware & Sound > Devices & Printers > Mouse. Then click the arrow options tab and uncheck Raise arrow precision.

How to check mouse DPI

iii. Use an online DPI calculator

If you all the same can't detect your mouse'southward DPI, utilize this online DPI tool to approximate the value.

To utilize information technology, you beginning need to untick 'Heighten pointer precision' equally outlined above, as this acceleration will render the measurement meaningless.

If you accept mouse driver software installed, make sure whatsoever pointer acceleration is disabled there as well.

Now head to the Real Mouse DPI Analyzer page if you haven't already and double-check the other requirements and limitations.

Measure the rough altitude that yous need to motility your mouse to make the pointer go from the left side of the screen to the right. Use a ruler, as you must enter the altitude into the 'Target distance' box on the website.

Since you lot don't know your mouse's DPI you can't put a value in the Configured DPI box.

Now click on the red crosshair at the bottom of the page and elevate information technology to the right, moving your mouse the distance you specified in Target distance. You don't accept to motility fast: the thought is to be accurate.

Make certain your pointer does not accomplish the border of the monitor: it doesn't thing if it goes past the edge of your browser window, but moving the mouse afterwards the cursor has reached the edge of the display will make the result incorrect.

How to check mouse DPI

When y'all let go of the button, a effigy will appear by 'Actual DPI'. This shows the approximate DPI value that your mouse is currently set to.

How do I change my mouse DPI and sensitivity?

A lot of mice accept buttons to change the DPI setting. Some fifty-fifty have displays which show the electric current setting, while others don't.

If your mouse doesn't have whatsoever buttons, or they're non doing what yous want, and then open your mouse software (if installed) and look for options to change the DPI. You should be able to specify and exact DPI setting, or even multiple settings if your mouse supports that and has buttons to toggle between those settings.

For those without dedicated mouse software, apply the Command Panel settings detailed higher up and adjust the Arrow speed slider until you like how much your cursor is moving.

Alternatively, use the Windows 10 Settings app, click Devices, and then Mouse and y'all'll find a Cursor speed slider which does the same thing.

If you lot decide your current mouse isn't upwardly to the job, we've got a load of recommendations in our roundup of the best gaming mice.