drag down formula with only some incrementing

[hitch_hiker]

I want to drag a formula to create a column, but I need some cell references to change as I drag , and some not to
=IF(ISTEXT(A2),VLOOKUP(A2,'ingredients & components'!A2:E100,5,FALSE),""), the red A2 needs to increment , but the range a2:e100 needs to stay the same , I think I need to use $a$2 but I do not know where , every book I have read makes it more confusing than it needs to be

 

[VoG]

Try

=IF(ISTEXT(A2),VLOOKUP(A2,'ingredients & components'!A$2:E$100,5,FALSE),"")

 

[hitch_hiker]

Thanks VOG,
this has been one of my pains, you don't want to know how many times I've had to spend hours changing a range.

 

[VoG]

This should help you http://www.cpearson.com/excel/relative.aspx

 

[hitch_hiker]

thanks once again, Ive save it in my "help folder"