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This paper has been written to achieve two objectives. The first objective is to provide a discussion of the practical limitations of numerical modelling in the field of geomechanical engineering. Too many discussions of numerical methods in geomechanical engineering are centered on the impressive ability of numerical tools to conduct complex and sophisticated analyses with relative ease and efficiency. Practitioners need to have grounded conversations of numerical modelling regarding the reality that geomechanical designs are often data limited with high degrees of uncertainty. When data limits and uncertainty are overlooked, geomechanical engineers are at risk of introducing unforeseen fatal flaws into engineering design. The second objective is to provide ‘how to’ guidelines for model calibration using a variety of data types to qualify and quantify ground reaction. Model calibration is truly the only means to reduce numerical uncertainties. Formal training in numerical modelling is often focused on software utilization and computational methods; however, there are few opportunities for formal training on how to calibrate a model for practical engineering applications. This paper provides guidelines for calibration methods and procedures.