Biochemical methane potential is one of the main indicators used to assess the suitability of organic substrates for anaerobic digestion. The aim of this paper was to review the role of this parameter in the evaluation of substrate biogas potential and to discuss methods for its determination, estimation and interpretation. Experimental approaches to biochemical methane potential testing, theoretical methods based on substrate composition, and kinetic models supporting data interpretation were examined. The variation in biochemical methane potential values among the main substrate groups was also discussed, with particular attention to lignocellulosic materials, food waste, agri-food by-products and sewage sludge. The importance of co-digestion as a means of improving methane yield and process stability was also highlighted. The scientific value of the paper lies in the integrated analysis of methodological, interpretative and application-related aspects of biochemical methane potential. The review showed that reliable biochemical methane potential assessment requires consideration of substrate properties, validation quality and the limited comparability of published results.