The men's single sculls competition at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles took place at the Long Beach Marine Stadium from 9 to 13 August.

The United States' podium streak in the event extended to four Games; the nation had won a medal in each of the five times it had appeared.

[2] Two of the 15 rowers from the 1928 Games returned: gold medalist Bobby Pearce of Australia and fifth-place finisher Joseph Wright Jr. of Canada.

Pearce, in addition to his Olympic title, had also won the 1930 British Empire Games and the 1931 Diamond Challenge Sculls; he was favored to repeat.

Great Britain made its seventh appearance, most among nations, having missed only the 1904 Games in St. Louis.