Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for read sensor characterization. As an example, a data storage device is disclosed that includes a storage medium, a read/write head assembly disposed in relation to the storage medium, and a track width setting circuit. The track width setting circuit is operable to: write data to at least a first track and a second track on the storage medium, read data from the second track, determine an estimated track offset where interference from the data written to the first track is insubstantial, and modify at least the second track width based at least in part on the estimated track offset. The first track is a first track width and the second track is a second track width.