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A guide to Tauberian theorems for arithmetic applications

Lillian B. Pierce, Caroline L. Turnage-Butterbaugh and Asif Zaman

Vol. 5 (2026), No. 2, 271–374
Abstract

A Tauberian theorem deduces an asymptotic for the partial sums of a sequence of nonnegative real numbers from analytic properties of an associated Dirichlet series. Tauberian theorems appear in a tremendous variety of applications, ranging from well-known classical applications in analytic number theory, to new applications in arithmetic statistics, group theory, and the intersection of number theory and algebraic geometry. The goal of this article is to provide a useful reference for practitioners who wish to apply a Tauberian theorem. We explain the hypotheses and proofs of two types of Tauberian theorems: one with and one without an explicit remainder term. We furthermore provide counterexamples that illuminate that neither theorem can reach an essentially stronger conclusion unless its hypothesis is strengthened.

Dedicated to John B. Friedlander and Henryk Iwaniec in honor of their long-standing commitment to exposition.

Keywords
Tauberian theorems
Mathematical Subject Classification
Primary: 11M45, 40E05
Milestones
Received: 24 April 2025
Revised: 2 March 2026
Accepted: 2 April 2026
Published: 14 August 2026
Authors
Lillian B. Pierce
Mathematics Department
Duke University
Durham, NC
United States
Caroline L. Turnage-Butterbaugh
Math Department
Carleton College
Northfield, MN
United States
Asif Zaman
Department of Mathematics
University of Toronto
Toronto ON
Canada