The aim of the work was to find an equation with the widest application or to recommend suitable equations to be used for a given condition. A set of 34 equations and 373 experimental data for equations' evaluation was created based on a literature research. For various reasons (unknown constants or parameters, unclear description of calculation, etc.), it was possible to evaluate only 16 equations out of 34 equations. Maximum overpressures were calculated using selected formulas for each experimental set-up. Each particular result of the calculation was divided by the corresponding value measured in the given experiment. A scoring system for these calculated ratios was proposed to be able to evaluate the quality of the calculation. An average value of the ratio together with minimal and maximal values of the ratio was graded. The sum of the grades provided a relative value to be compared. The contribution presents the results of 10 equations' evaluation, pointing out the most universal equation, together with the most suitable equations for a given geometry, gas and combination of both. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.