The women's singles badminton tournament at the 2020 Summer Olympics took place from 24 July to 1 August at the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza at Tokyo.

The event was won by China's Chen Yufei who defeated reigning World Number 1 Tai Tzu-ying of Chinese Taipei in the final.

Reigning World Champion and 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist P. V. Sindhu of India won the bronze medal, defeating China's He Bingjiao in the playoff.

Nations with multiple players in the top 16 of the ranking list could earn 2 quota places; all others were limited to 1.

Players were taken from the ranking list in order, respecting the national limits, until the places were filled.

Additional places beyond 38 were added where players qualified in both the women's singles and one of the doubles events.

The knockout stage was a four-round single elimination tournament with a bronze medal match.