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What is eDPI? How to calculate it?

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If you are a gamer, you must have heard about terms like DPI, sensitivity, and eDPI. But do you know the meaning of these terms and how they affect your gaming performance?

In this article, we will explain the meaning of these terms, how to calculate eDPI, and why knowing your eDPI for different games is important.


eDPI vs DPI vs Sensitivity

Before understanding eDPI, you should have an idea about what exactly DPI and sensitivity mean in the world of gaming.

In this section, we’ll explain the meaning of the terms eDPI, DPI and sensitivity.

DPI

DPI stands for dots per inch, which measures how many pixels your mouse cursor moves on the screen when you move your mouse one inch on your desk.

The higher the DPI, the more sensitive your mouse is. DPI is usually set on the mouse itself or in the software that comes with it.

Most gaming mice have a DPI range of 400 to 1600, but some can go up to 10,000 or more. However, higher DPI does not necessarily mean better accuracy or performance. Some mouse sensors can introduce errors or smoothing at higher DPI levels, affecting your aim and precision.

Read our article on how much DPI is good for gaming here.


Sensitivity

Sensitivity is an in-game setting that allows you to adjust how much your mouse cursor moves on the screen when you move your mouse. Sensitivity is usually expressed as a multiplier of your DPI.

For example, if your DPI is 800 and your sensitivity is 2, then your effective DPI (or eDPI) is 1600. Sensitivity can vary from game to game, and sometimes even within the same game, depending on your mode or weapon. Sensitivity is a personal preference that depends on your playstyle, comfort, and skill level.


eDPI

eDPI stands for effective dots per inch, a single value representing your true mouse sensitivity across different games and settings.

eDPI is useful for comparing your mouse sensitivity with other players, regardless of their hardware or software settings. It can also help you find your optimal mouse sensitivity for different games by using a consistent eDPI value.

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How to calculate eDPI?

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To calculate your eDPI, you need to know your DPI and sensitivity. You can find out your DPI by checking the specifications of your mouse or by using the software that comes with it. You can find out your sensitivity by looking at the in-game settings of your game.

Once you have obtained these two values, use the following formula to calculate the value of eDPI:

eDPI = DPI x Sensitivity

For example, if your DPI is 800 and your sensitivity is 2, your eDPI is 1600.

Alternatively, you can use an online eDPI calculator to do the math. Just enter your DPI, the game you want to calculate the eDPI for, and sensitivity values and instantly get your eDPI.

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Why is eDPI important?

Knowing your eDPI can help you improve your gaming performance in several ways.

Here are some of the benefits of knowing your eDPI:

  • You can compare your mouse sensitivity with other players’ performance with different eDPI values.
  • You can adjust your mouse sensitivity for different games using a consistent eDPI value that suits your playstyle and preference.
  • You can avoid using too high or too low DPI or sensitivity settings that can cause errors or discomfort in your mouse movement.
  • You can fine-tune your mouse sensitivity for optimal accuracy and precision in aiming and shooting.

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What is a good eDPI?

There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on various factors, such as the game genre, mechanics, and the mouse.

However, some general guidelines can help you find a good eDPI range for different games:

First-person shooter games

For first-person shooter (FPS) games like CS:GO, Valorant, or Overwatch, where accuracy and precision are crucial, most players prefer a lower eDPI range of 200 to 800.

A lower eDPI lets you make precise adjustments and flick shots with your arm rather than wrist movement. Lower eDPI also reduces the risk of overshooting or undershooting the target.


Third-person shooter games

For third-person shooter (TPS) games like Fortnite or PUBG, where mobility and building are important, most players prefer a higher eDPI range of 800 to 1600.

This allows them to make quick turns and movements with their wrist rather than arm movement. Higher eDPI also enables faster building and editing in Fortnite.


Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games

For multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games like League of Legends or Dota 2, where clicking and cursor movement is important, most players prefer a medium eDPI range of 800 to 1200. This allows them to balance speed and accuracy in their mouse movement and clicking.

You should remember that these are just general guidelines and not rules. You should experiment with the above numbers and see what works best for you.

We hope that this article has helped you understand the concept of eDPI better. With this newfound information, you can tweak your gaming performance and shine in the tournaments.

Also read: RE4 remake D3D error: Quick Fix

Kumar Hemant

Kumar Hemant

Deputy Editor at Candid.Technology. Hemant writes at the intersection of tech and culture and has a keen interest in science, social issues and international relations. You can contact him here: kumarhemant@pm.me

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