title: Align printf output in Java
body: <p>I need to display a list of items with their prices from an array and would like to align the prices. I almost have it working but needs improvements. Below is the code and the output. Any ideas how to make all prices aligned? So far some work but some don't. Thanks in advance.</p>
  
  <pre><code>//for loop
  System.out.printf("%d. %s \t\t $%.2f\n",
                  i + 1, BOOK_TYPE[i], COST[i]);
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>output:</p>
  
  <pre><code>1. Newspaper         $1.00
  2. Paper Back        $7.50
  3. Hardcover book        $10.00
  4. Electronic book       $2.00
  5. Magazine          $3.00
  </code></pre>