A method for determining maximum recoverable hydrocarbon (EMR) in a tight reservoir is disclosed. The method includes determining, based on downhole logs, a total measure of hydrocarbon amount within the tight reservoir, determining, by at least attributing fluid loss during core surfacing of the core sample to hydrocarbons, a non-recoverable measure of hydrocarbon amount within a core sample of the tight reservoir, and determining an EMR measure based on the total measure of hydrocarbon amount and the non-recoverable measure of hydrocarbon amount, wherein during the core surfacing pore pressure reduces from a reservoir condition to a surface condition.