This study aims to evaluate various methods for calculating mode I fracture energy ( \(G_{\text {IC}}\) ) and associated cohesive zone model (CZM) parameters in a carbon/epoxy composite material. Experimental double cantilever beam (DCB) tests are conducted on six unidirectional fiber-reinforced composite samples with pre-defined cracks. Digital image correlation (DIC) techniques are used to accurately measure crack opening displacement (COD) in three of the specimens. Analytical methods, including the ASTM standard and J-integral, are used to assess the fracture energy of each sample. First, an approach based on the J-integral method and DIC results is presented to accurately assess the CZM parameters. Finite element models are then used to conduct numerical simulations using the Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) and CZM techniques. The finite element results are compared with the experimental results to assess the performance of each method. The discussion on the accuracy and advantages of each analytical method to calculate mode I fracture energy in composite laminates is presented. The results demonstrate that the fracture energy value controls the global failure response, while the maximum interface strength within the cohesive zone model affects the local failure response. The outcome emphasizes the importance of accurately estimating all CZM parameters. Finally, a comparison of the computational efficiency of different finite element methods is presented.