<p>This study presents a hybrid methodology that combines direct and inverse electromechanical impedance (EMI) analysis to precisely determine both the location and severity of structural damage in steel rods. An analytical model was established utilizing the dynamic stiffness matrix method for damage detection purposes. The EM admittance obtained from the proposed model was validated through theoretical calculations, finite element simulations, and experimental data. Based on the validated EMI model, frequency equations were derived via free vibration analysis. Subsequently, the EMI signatures were measured from piezoelectric patches surface-bonded to the damaged rods, where a groove was machined to simulate the localized damage. Any two natural frequencies were extracted from the measured EMI data and then substituted into the frequency equations. By solving a set of independent transcendental equations, the damage sizes and locations were successfully calculated. The results indicate that the proposed direct and inverse EMI analysis is highly efficient and potent for structural damage detection, particularly for rod-type structures.</p>