The women's single sculls competition at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro was held on 6–13 August at the Lagoon Rodrigo de Freitas.

[1] First three of each heat qualify to the quarterfinals, remainder goes to the repechage.

First two qualify to the quarterfinals.

9 August, 08:10 9 August, 08:20 9 August, 08:30 9 August, 08:40 Notes: First three of each heat qualify to the final A.

First three of each heat qualify to the final C. First three qualify to Final E, remainder to Final F.