2/21/22, 10:20 AM Supervised vs Unsupervised Learning - Javatpoint

Difference between Supervised and Unsupervised

Learning
Supervised and Unsupervised learning are the two techniques of machine learning. But both the
techniques are used in different scenarios and with different datasets. Below the explanation of both
learning methods along with their difference table is given.

Supervised Machine Learning:

Supervised learning is a machine learning method in which models are trained using labeled data. In
supervised learning, models need to find the mapping function to map the input variable (X) with the
output variable (Y).

Supervised learning needs supervision to train the model, which is similar to as a student learns things
in the presence of a teacher. Supervised learning can be used for two types of problems:
Classification and Regression.

Learn more Supervised Machine Learning

⇧ SCROLL TO TOP

https://www.javatpoint.com/difference-between-supervised-and-unsupervised-learning 2/8
2/21/22, 10:20 AM Supervised vs Unsupervised Learning - Javatpoint

Example: Suppose we have an image of different types of fruits. The task of our supervised learning
model is to identify the fruits and classify them accordingly. So to identify the image in supervised
learning, we will give the input data as well as output for that, which means we will train the model by
the shape, size, color, and taste of each fruit. Once the training is completed, we will test the model by
giving the new set of fruit. The model will identify the fruit and predict the output using a suitable
algorithm.

Unsupervised Machine Learning:

Unsupervised learning is another machine learning method in which patterns inferred from the
unlabeled input data. The goal of unsupervised learning is to find the structure and patterns from the
input data. Unsupervised learning does not need any supervision. Instead, it finds patterns from the
data by its own.

Learn more Unsupervised Machine Learning

Unsupervised learning can be used for two types of problems: Clustering and Association.

Example: To understand the unsupervised learning, we will use the example given above. So unlike
supervised learning, here we will not provide any supervision to the model. We will just provide the
input dataset to the model and allow the model to find the patterns from the data. With the help of a
suitable algorithm, the model will train itself and divide the fruits into different groups according to
the most similar features between them.

The main differences between Supervised and Unsupervised learning are given below:

Supervised Learning Unsupervised Learning

Supervised learning algorithms are trained using Unsupervised learning algorithms are trained
labeled data. using unlabeled data.

Supervised learning model takes direct feedback Unsupervised learning model does not take
to check if it is predicting correct output or not. any feedback.

Supervised learning model predicts the output. Unsupervised learning model finds the
hidden patterns in data.

In supervised learning, input data is provided to In unsupervised learning, only input data is
the model along with the output. provided to the model.

⇧ SCROLL TO TOP

https://www.javatpoint.com/difference-between-supervised-and-unsupervised-learning 3/8
2/21/22, 10:20 AM Supervised vs Unsupervised Learning - Javatpoint

The goal of supervised learning is to train the The goal of unsupervised learning is to find
model so that it can predict the output when it is the hidden patterns and useful insights from
given new data. the unknown dataset.

Supervised learning needs supervision to train the Unsupervised learning does not need any
model. supervision to train the model.

Supervised learning can be categorized in Unsupervised Learning can be classified in

Classification and Regression problems. Clustering and Associations problems.

Supervised learning can be used for those cases Unsupervised learning can be used for those
where we know the input as well as corresponding cases where we have only input data and no
outputs. corresponding output data.

Supervised learning model produces an accurate Unsupervised learning model may give less
result. accurate result as compared to supervised
learning.

Supervised learning is not close to true Artificial Unsupervised learning is more close to the
intelligence as in this, we first train the model for true Artificial Intelligence as it learns similarly
each data, and then only it can predict the correct as a child learns daily routine things by his
output. experiences.

It includes various algorithms such as Linear It includes various algorithms such as

Regression, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Clustering, KNN, and Apriori algorithm.
Machine, Multi-class Classification, Decision tree,
Bayesian Logic, etc.

Note: The supervised and unsupervised learning both are the machine learning methods, and
selection of any of these learning depends on the factors related to the structure and volume of
your dataset and the use cases of the problem.

← Prev
Next →

⇧ SCROLL TO TOP

https://www.javatpoint.com/difference-between-supervised-and-unsupervised-learning 4/8