DeviceTest

What Is eDPI and cm/360? (And How to Compare Setups)

Sensitivity numbers are not portable: 2.0 means something different at 400 DPI than at 1600, and something different again in a game that turns 0.07 degrees per count than one that turns 0.022. Two numbers fix that — eDPI for comparing setups inside one game, and cm/360 for comparing across games.

Quick answer: eDPI = DPI × in-game sensitivity; it compares setups inside a single game. cm/360 = the mouse distance needed for a full 360° turn = 360 ÷ (sensitivity × DPI × the game's yaw constant); it compares across games and is the number your hand actually learns. Tactical shooters usually sit at 25–50 cm/360, faster games at 15–25 cm.

Why eDPI exists, and its one limitation

Two players can report completely different DPI and sensitivity values and still have identical setups. eDPI collapses the pair into one number — 800 × 1.0 and 400 × 2.0 both give 800 eDPI — which makes comparisons quick. The catch: eDPI is only meaningful inside one game, because each game converts counts to rotation at a different rate.

cm/360: the physical number

cm/360 answers a simpler question: how far must the mouse move to turn a full circle? It is physical distance, so it is comparable across games as long as each game's yaw constant is known. This is the number aim trainers use and the one that survives a change of mouse, DPI step or game — which is why it is the basis of the sensitivity converter on this site.

Typical ranges, and why they differ

Tactical shooters reward precision at a distance and punish over-turning, so players cluster around 25–50 cm/360. Tracking-heavy games and those with fast movement and vertical fights run faster, typically 15–25 cm/360. These are conventions, not rules: what matters is that the number is stable for you, so your hand keeps the same reference whether you are playing at home or on a tournament machine.

Using these numbers in practice

To copy a pro's setup, convert their DPI and sensitivity into cm/360 and then compute the sensitivity your own mouse needs to match it. To switch games without losing aim, use the converter and keep the cm/360 identical. To change DPI, adjust sensitivity in the opposite direction and verify with the calculator — if cm/360 is unchanged, the feel is unchanged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a lower cm/360 better?
Neither is better in the abstract: lower means faster turning and less arm travel, higher means finer precision. Games with wide angles and quick target switching reward lower values; precision-heavy games reward higher ones.
Can I compare eDPI between two different games?
No — that is precisely what eDPI cannot do, because each game has its own yaw constant. Use cm/360 for cross-game comparisons.
Does mousepad size limit my cm/360?
Yes, practically. If your cm/360 exceeds your usable pad width, you physically cannot complete a turn in one swipe. Many players choose a cm/360 that fits a comfortable swipe across their pad.

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