How to Check Mouse Sensitivity (Dpi) on PC or Mac

Last Updated: August 26, 2022 References Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to find your mouse’s sensitivity settings in Windows and macOS. Your mouse's sensitivity is determined by its DPI (dots per inch) value, which is the number of dots-per-inch the cursor moves with your movement. Even if your mouse doesn't come with software that tells you the exact DPI, you can still find and adjust your mouse's sensitivity level in your settings. And if you're a gamer and want to find and adjust the precise DPI value without special software, you can use an online DPI analyzer.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Windows Mouse Settings

1
Open the Windows search bar. If you don’t see the search bar next to the
menu, press ⊞ Win+S to open it now.
- If your mouse has a dedicated DPI button, you can use it to increase or decrease your mouse's sensitivity. If your mouse has a built-in screen, you'll see the DPI as you make adjustments. If it doesn't, you may be able to install the mouse's own software to view and adjust the DPI.
- The Windows mouse settings don't permit you to view or specify the exact DPI of your mouse, but you can see (and adjust) the sensitivity visually on a slider, or use a DPI analyzer.^{[1]
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  Trustworthy Source
  Microsoft Support
  Technical support and product information from Microsoft.
  Go to source}
2
Type mouse into the search bar. A list of matching results will appear.

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3
Click Mouse settings. It’s the option with the outline of a gear on its left side.
4
Click Additional mouse options. It’s in the right panel under the "Related settings" header.
5
Click the Pointer Options tab. It’s the third tab at the top of the window.
6
Find the pointer sensitivity under the “Motion” header. The slider at the top displays the speed of your mouse cursor in response to your movement. A mouse that's more sensitive to your movement will have the slider moved more to the right. If the slider is more to the left, the mouse is less sensitive to your movement. You can use this slider to adjust the mouse sensitivity to your preference.^{[2]
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- In addition to the slider, there’s also an option called “Enhance Pointer Precision.” If this box is checked, Windows will sense when you’re trying to be more precise with your mouse movements (such as when you’re moving the cursor very slowly) and boost sensitivity automatically.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using macOS Mouse Settings

1
Click the
menu. It’s at the top-left corner of the screen.
- Although your Mac doesn't allow you to find exactly which DPI your mouse is set to, you can adjust the sensitivity with a slider and then use a DPI analyzer to check the value.
2
Click System Preferences.
3
Click Mouse. It’s the white mouse icon in the second row of icons.^{[4]
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4
Click the Point & Click tab. It’s at the top of the window.
5
Find the pointer sensitivity under the “Tracking speed.” The Tracking Speed slider shows you the speed of the mouse cursor in response to your movement. Drag the slider right to increase the cursor speed as you move the mouse, or left to slow it down.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using a DPI Analyzer

1
Draw a ruler on a sheet of paper. If your mouse didn't come with special software that displays the exact DPI, you can use an online DPI calculator to estimate the DPI based on the distance you move your mouse on your desk.^{[5]
X
Research source} You'll need to be accurate in your measurements, so begin by taking a ruler or measuring tape, tracing it on a sheet of paper, and then marking inches and centimeters across the sheet. For the purpose of detecting your DPI, this sheet of paper will become your temporary mouse pad.
2
Go to https://www.mouse-sensitivity.com/dpianalyzer in a web browser. This is a gaming-focused DPI analyzer that helps you determine your mouse's true sensitivity level (DPI).
3
Enter the distance you'll be moving your mouse. For example, let's say we want to test the DPI by moving the mouse one inch. Set the "Units" drop-down to "Inches" and type "1" into the "Target distance" field.
4
Click and drag the red crosshair as you drag the mouse. You'll want to move the mouse exactly the distance you entered in the "Target distance" field. So, if you entered 1 inch, click and drag the mouse one inch to the right to measure the DPI. When you lift the mouse button, the DPI of your mouse will appear in the "Actual DPI" field.
5
Adjust the DPI accordingly. Now that you have your mouse's current DPI settings, you can play around with your Windows or Mac mouse settings to increase or decrease the DPI. Increase the DPI by dragging the motion or tracking slider to the right, or decrease it by dragging it left. Then, retest your mouse with the DPI analyzer to find your new DPI.

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Community Q&A

Question

How do I know what my exact DPI is?

Community Answer

Using a DPI analyzer and a mousepad with exact inch increments drawn below the mouse, configure the analyzer to travel the exact distance you wish under a DPI close to the current DPI you have configured. The analyzer will keep track of the exact DPI you are using. Google an analyzer but be careful to avoid downloading any malicious software. The analyzer should be embedded on the website.
Question

I need DPI for Mac, not tracking speed.

krissCpoo kcp

Community Answer

Click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of your screen. Select System Preferences... from the dropdown menu. Click on Mouse in the System Preferences window. Click the Point & Click usually located in the upper center screen. The Tracking Speed slider value is going to be the value you’re looking for or to set.
Question

What about the exact dpi?

Hassan Mohammed

Community Answer

That's not possible until you actually have a branded mouse which hosts a software that can show you your dpi (exact digits) and change them. Windows has no function that shows your exact dpi. You have to check the manufacturer’s specifications