kmeans uses an iterative algorithm that minimizes the sum of distances from each object to its cluster centroid, over all clusters. This algorithm moves objects between clusters until the sum cannot be decreased further. The result is a set of clusters that are as compact and well-separated as possible. You can control the details of the minimization using several optional input parameters to kmeans, including ones for the initial values of the cluster centroids, and for the maximum number of iterations.

Clustering is primarily an exploratory technique to discover hidden structures of the data, possibly as a prelude to more focused analysis or decision processes. Some specific applications of k-means are image processing, medical and customer segmentation. Clustering is often used as a lead-in to classification. Once the clusters are identified,

labels can be applied to each cluster to classify each group based on its characteristics. Marketing and sales groups use k-means to better identify customers who have similar behaviors and spending patterns.