A simple theoretical method is proposed to study the size and orientation dependence of elasticity of nanowires and nanofilms. We have studied the Young modulus of nanowires Ag, Cu and nanofilms Ag, Ni, Cu and Si. The results obtained are compared with the available experimental data and computer simulation studies. A good agreement between the theory and experiments supports the validity of the formulation developed in the present work. Copyright (C) EPLA, 2012