Defending champion Chris Evert defeated Evonne Goolagong in a rematch of the previous year's final, 6–3, 6–0 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 1976 US Open.

Evert did not lose a set during the tournament.

It was Goolagong's fourth consecutive runner-up finish at the event, her best career result at the tournament; she was attempting to complete the career Grand Slam.

The seeded players are listed below.

Chris Evert is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.