<p>Field measurement of borehole pressure is limited by difficulties in assembling instrumentation that can withstand high temperatures and extreme pressures in confined space. Empirical formulae can determine blast hole wall pressures for ideal detonations; however, in the absence of substantial laboratory and field data, their accuracy is limited. To overcome limitations of empirical formulations, numerical methods are being increasingly applied but a systematic study that compares both approaches for blast hole pressure assessment in different rock types is missing in literature. In this paper, peak pressures and rise times estimated from numerically simulated borehole detonation (using Coupled Eulerian Lagrangian technique) are compared with available empirical formulae. Wall pressures generated during coupled and radially decoupled borehole detonations in different rock types (Basalt, Gabbro, Sandstone, Siltstone, Quartzite, and Marble) are studied. The effect of different borehole lengths on peak wall pressures and rise time is investigated. Results show that unlike assumed in empirical formulae, peak pressure is not independent of rock type and broadly depends on rock type and its properties. Empirical estimates for peak wall pressures show wide variation with simulation results for hard rocks. Time of rise calculated empirically may not uniformly be applied to all rock types and depends on the point of measurement. Effectiveness of radially decoupled explosions is established with simulation results showing up to 45% decrease in peak wall pressures. Empirical approach is widely used in field and its comparison with simulated results shall help field engineers in judiciously estimating wall pressures. The present study will aid in optimal blast design, ensuring better rock fragmentation and decreased ground vibrations.</p>