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Python String rjust() Method – Right Justify a String

Let’s look at string rjust() method – right justify a string

  1. Notice

    rjust() pads on the left so text is right-aligned in a minimum width.

  2. Try

    Follow the example, change its sample, and compare what happens.

  3. Check

    Explain the result and test your understanding.

Watch how it works

Focus on how the names, objects, and calculations change. We’ll inspect the printed output in the next section.

Explore the idea

Follow the code and watch its state change. Guided simulation.

Code
Python
text = 'tea'
result = text.rjust(8, ".")
print(result)
Live state

Top-level scope

text→Object 1
result→Object 2
Object 1 · str'tea'Object 2 · str'.....tea'
This step

rjust() pads on the left so text is right-aligned in a minimum width.

Picture string rjust() method – right justify a string

rjust() pads on the left so text is right-aligned in a minimum width.

Image brief

Alt text
A diagram for Python String rjust() Method – Right Justify a String. Instructions: text = 'tea' result = text.rjust(8, ".") print(result). Displayed result: .....tea. The final example bindings are text --> object 1 (str); result --> object 2 (str). object 1: 'tea'; object 2: '.....tea'
Image generation prompt
Create a clean educational illustration for a Python programming lesson titled "Python String rjust() Method – Right Justify a String". Teaching focus: rjust() pads on the left so text is right-aligned in a minimum width. Depict exactly the relationships and labels in this reference diagram: EXAMPLE INSTRUCTIONS text = 'tea' result = text.rjust(8, ".") print(result) | v DISPLAYED RESULT .....tea FINAL BINDINGS text --> object 1 (str) result --> object 2 (str) object 1: 'tea' object 2: '.....tea' Use a flat vector style, generous spacing, clear arrows and legible labels, with a restrained blue/teal palette on a plain background. The diagram must explain the programming idea accurately. Do not depict variables as boxes containing copied objects when they share a reference. Avoid mascots, decorative screenshots, logos, gradients and extra text. Landscape composition, approximately 3:2, suitable for a course card. Accessible description: A diagram for Python String rjust() Method – Right Justify a String. Instructions: text = 'tea' result = text.rjust(8, ".") print(result). Displayed result: .....tea. The final example bindings are text --> object 1 (str); result --> object 2 (str). object 1: 'tea'; object 2: '.....tea'

Follow the execution

Choose a different sample input, then follow every step through to the output. Before revealing it, predict what the program will display.

Execution workspace

Choose a sample and follow its execution. Guided simulation.

Code
Python
text = 'tea'
result = text.rjust(8, ".")
print(result)
Live state

Top-level scope

text→Object 1
result→Object 2
Object 1 · str'tea'Object 2 · str'.....tea'
This step

The example has finished. Compare the final output with the values and references above.

Terminal
Output
.....tea

What do you expect this program to print?

What does this example display?

text = 'tea'
result = text.rjust(8, ".")
print(result)
What does this example display?
Choose one answer. You can try again.

Answer and explanation

.....tea

Follow the printed values in order. The output is: .....tea

More examples and reference

Python String rjust() Method

The rjust() method in Python is used to right-align a string by padding it with a specified character (default is a space).

Syntax

string.rjust(width, fillchar=' ')

Parameters:

  • width – Total width of the resulting string (including original text + padding)
  • fillchar – (Optional) Character to use for padding (default is space)

Returns:

  • A new string that is right-aligned and padded with the specified character on the left.

Example 1: Right-justify with spaces (default)

text = "Python"
print(text.rjust(10))
    Python

Example 2: Right-justify with a specific fill character

text = "42"
print(text.rjust(5, "0"))
00042

Use Case: Padding values for printing aligned output

items = ["Apple", "Banana", "Cherry"]
for item in items:
    print(item.rjust(10))
     Apple
    Banana
    Cherry

Common Mistakes

  • Using a fill character longer than one character (will raise a TypeError)
  • Expecting the original string to change (remember, strings are immutable)

Interview Tip

Use rjust() in formatting columns, table-like outputs, or aligning numbers for printing.

Summary

  • rjust() right-aligns the string by padding on the left.
  • You can customize the padding character using the fillchar parameter.
  • It returns a new string — original string is not modified.

Practice Problem

Write a program that accepts a word and prints it right-aligned in a field of width 20 using '*' as padding.

word = input("Enter a word: ")
print(word.rjust(20, '*'))

What to remember

Connect what you noticed in the example with the idea below.

Remember

rjust() pads on the left so text is right-aligned in a minimum width.

Watch out for this idea

rjust() pads on the right.

This is the misconception to avoid.

Reference checks are optional and do not count toward course progress.

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