In this study, the orientation-dependent response of as-received annealed cold-rolled pure zinc and material with thickness reduction rate of 50% grains using instrumented indentation tests is investigated. The experiments were characterized by orientation microscopy and atomic force microscopy scans to quantify the orientation-dependent mechanical response during nanoindentation. The single crystal hardening parameters are then identified for each family of slip system by using crystal plasticity finite element (CPFE) simulations. Comparison between experimental and numerical results in terms of "load-penetration depth" curves show a good agreement. The increased percentage of cold reduction increases the identified critical resolved shear stress (CRSS). Finally, the accuracy of the model is evaluated by comparing experimental and numerical data issued from nanoindentation response grains of distinct crystalline orientations involving different slip systems activity rates.